Espanyol will host Real Madrid at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday evening, with a result in favor of the home side handing the La Liga title to Barcelona. However, with only five points separating them from the relegation zone, Espanyol cannot afford to miss out on crucial points. Real Madrid, trailing Barcelona by 14 points, are keen to avoid further discussion about a guard of honor before the final Clasico of the season next Sunday.
Both teams are facing injury concerns. Dani Carvajal’s late withdrawal has added him to Real Madrid’s lengthy injury list, which already includes Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappe, Arda Guler, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo Goes. Espanyol have also lost Cyril Ngonge to injury this week, with Javi Puado also unavailable. Midfielder Pol Lozano is suspended for the match.
A Potential Rare Start for Gonzalo Garcia?
According to Mundo Deportivo, Gonzalo Garcia is expected to make a rare start for Real Madrid. Aurelien Tchouameni is anticipated to return to midfield, replacing Thiago Pitarch. The only other predicted change from Real Madrid’s previous 1-1 draw against Real Betis is the return of Alvaro Carreras at left-back.
Diario AS, however, suggests that Pitarch might retain his spot over Gonzalo. Another possibility is Eduardo Camavinga coming into the lineup, as Real Madrid manager Ancelotti has limited options. Franco Mastantuono is the only other attacking alternative on the bench.
Striking Options for Espanyol
Espanyol also face a decision regarding their number nine. Manager Manolo Gonzalez is weighing up whether to start the experienced Kike Garcia or the more dynamic Roberto Fernandez. Beyond that, Espanyol’s lineup appears relatively settled. Tyrhys Dolan is expected to feature in place of the injured Ngonge, while Urko Gonzalez and Edu Exposito will anchor the midfield in the absence of Lozano.
Espanyol are looking to end a winless streak of 16 games that has extended throughout 2026. Real Madrid, meanwhile, are seeking their second victory since March, having won only once in their last seven matches.