Real Madrid’s fading LaLiga title hopes stand in stark contrast to Espanyol’s urgent need for points, as the Catalan side has failed to win any match in 2026 and has managed just six draws from their last 16 league games. Their five-point cushion above the relegation zone looks fragile, making the 40-point mark a realistic season target.
Espanyol enter matchday 34 with 39 points, a far cry from the European ambitions they harbored in the first half of the campaign. The team has lost its way since Javi Puado’s injury in January, collecting only six points from a possible 48. Captain Pol Lozano is suspended after picking up a second yellow card against Levante.
Real Madrid’s recent league form has also been shaky, with just five points from their last 12 available. Their away results are concerning—a draw at Betis and a defeat to Mallorca both featured decisive goals conceded in stoppage time. Carlo Ancelotti will be without injured stars Mbappé, Militão, Courtois, Güler, Rodrygo, and Tchouaméni, meaning academy prospect Pitarch could start at the RCDE Stadium.
**Match Details**
– Date: Sunday, May 3, 2025
– Venue: RCDE Stadium (Cornellà de Llobregat)
– Kick-off: 16:15 local time
– TV Channels: Movistar+ (Spain); Sky Sports, DAZN, Disney+ (select regions)
– Live Streaming: bet365 (geo-restrictions apply)
– Odds: Espanyol 4.50 | Draw 3.90 | Real Madrid 1.72
**Espanyol**
Manolo González’s side have been held to consecutive draws by lower-table teams, highlighting their current struggles. Five of the last six head-to-head meetings between these sides have ended in Real Madrid victories. The goalless draw against Levante exposed Espanyol’s biggest weakness: a lack of goals. They have scored just once in their last four matches and, over the past 15 league games, have conceded 30 goals while netting only 15.
**Predicted Espanyol Lineup (4-2-3-1):** Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Edu Expósito, González; Ngonge, Terrats, Milla; García
**Real Madrid**
Real could effectively say goodbye to the title this weekend if they fail to win and Barcelona emerge victorious. The upcoming Clásico might see them visit Camp Nou as underdogs against a potential champion. Their away form is worryingly poor—five games without a win in their last ten on the road. Mbappé’s absence is particularly damaging, as he has contributed nearly 40% of Real’s goals this season through his strikes and assists.
**Predicted Real Madrid Lineup (4-4-2):** Lunin; Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Mendy; Bellingham, Valverde, Pitarch, Camavinga; Díaz, Vinícius