Real Madrid get their 2026–27 La Liga season underway in Catalonia on Saturday evening as José Mourinho’s side face Espanyol.

Mourinho is back in the hot seat for a second time, having seen his reputation tumble over the past decade. Still, Florentino Pérez, scarred by trying something new with Xabi Alonso, has pivoted back to familiarity in a bid to knock Barcelona off their perch.

Madrid have endured back-to-back seasons without a major trophy, and were miles off the pace in both La Liga and the Champions League last term.

And while plenty have doubts over Mourinho’s capacity to return Los Blancos to glory, excitement is starting to build in the capital. Madrid have bought smartly for the most part in the transfer market, and were able to extend Vinícius Júnior’s contract amid strong interest from Arsenal.

Preseason has ultimately been a success, with Mourinho’s side unbeaten and impressing in a 3–0 win over Schalke last weekend.

Their opening opponents of the season, Espanyol, finished 11th in La Liga last season and will aim to push for a top-half finish this time around.

Espanyol vs. Real Madrid Score Prediction

Mourinho’s Return Starts With Hard-Fought Win

Mourinho’s Madrid reunion ranks among the most intriguing storylines heading into the new season, but his arrival has so far been relatively low key. It wasn’t until very recently when the Portuguese manager spoke to the media for the first time since taking the job, suggesting that Mourinho is all business and no show in his second stint.

Let’s see how long that lasts.

His job of helping Madrid usurp a brilliant Barcelona team isn’t an easy one, yet the talent at Mourinho’s disposal means that if he can bring them together to form a deadly collective, Los Blancos will be a huge threat not only to the Blaugrana but also to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain in Europe.

• Real Madrid’s historical dominance: Madrid have thoroughly enjoyed themselves in this fixture over the years. In 180 La Liga meetings, Los Blancos have won 110 and Espanyol just 37. Madrid have also won 11 of the 15 matches played at the RCDE Stadium in this competition.
• Madrid’s opening weekend record: The visitors haven’t lost an opening weekend match in La Liga since 2008. They’re unbeaten in 17 successive opening weekend games, winning 12. Madrid tend to start strong.
• Strong preseason: It wasn’t a totally flawless preseason for Madrid—they very rarely are—but their conclusion to the summer suggests they’re prepared for the slog that lies ahead. Mourinho oversaw five victories and a draw in six matches, including last week’s emphatic win over Schalke. The returning manager also would’ve been satisfied with back-to-back clean sheets.

Prediction: Espanyol 1–2 Real Madrid

Espanyol Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

Espanyol’s most expensive arrival of the summer, Álex Calatrava, who signed from second-tier Castellón for $5.9 million, is set to make his debut for the club in a No. 10 position. Another new signing, Quilindschy Hartman, will start at left back.

However, it’s the loan arrival of Gabriel Moscardo that could make-or-break Espanyol’s season. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is immensely talented but is need of finding himself again and will be eased in to his new home, meaning he may not start in Saturday’s opening game.

The hosts are without Leandro Cabrera through suspension, Javi Puado will soon return from a long-term knee injury, while Kike García is managing a hamstring issue.

Espanyol predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-3-3): Dmitrović; El Hilali, Riedel, Núñez, Hartman; González, Expósito; Hernández, Calatrava, Dolam; Fernández.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Espanyol

Mourinho was able to welcome back the majority of Madrid’s World Cup contingent towards the end of preseason, but some may not yet be match-fit.

The likes of Jude Bellingham and new signing Ibrahima Konaté are unlikely to be ready to start on Saturday, with minutes off the bench more likely. In Bellingham’s place, Arda Güler, who’s emerged as an early Mourinho favorite, should start as Madrid’s No. 10. Veteran defender Antonio Rüdiger is set to partner Dean Huijsen in defense.

The visitors are currently without Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio through injury, while Ferland Mendy, Thiago Pitarch, Rodrygo and Endrick are also sidelined.

Kylian Mbappé begins his quest to claim a third successive Pichichi Trophy, and Vinícius Júnior will occupy the left flank potentially in tandem with new signing Marc Cucurella.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Silva; Díaz, Güler, Vini Jr; Mbappé.

What Time Does Espanyol vs. Real Madrid Kick Off?

• Location: Barcelona, Spain
• Stadium: RCDE Stadium
• Date: Saturday, Aug. 22
• Kick-off Time: 8:30 p.m. BST / 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT

How to Watch Espanyol vs. Real Madrid on TV, Live Stream