The biggest game of Jornada 1 takes place on Friday 22 August at RCDE Stadium, Cornellà de Llobregat, as Espanyol host Real Madrid. Los Blancos arrive as one of the continent's most dominant forces and will be targeting another La Liga title — but Espanyol, buoyed by their home crowd in the shadow of Camp Nou, will look to make a statement on the opening day. Kick-off is 21:00 CEST.
Real Madrid: the title machine
Carlo Ancelotti's (or whoever leads Los Blancos in 2026) Real Madrid arrive in Catalonia with the same relentless quality that has defined them for years. Vinicius Júnior remains arguably La Liga's most dangerous attacker — explosive, direct, and lethal in front of goal. Jude Bellingham has made the Bernabéu midfield his own, combining driving runs with genuine goalscoring threat. Rodrygo provides creativity on the right. Defensively, with Antonio Rüdiger and their established centre-back pairing, Real Madrid rarely look shaky. Expect them to dominate possession and press for an early goal to kill the atmosphere.
Espanyol: home advantage and sharp pressing
Espanyol return to La Liga with ambition. Playing at RCDE Stadium against the reigning champions is their toughest possible opener, but the compact, aggressive pressing of a newly-promoted or re-established side can cause problems for any team on opening day, before the elite sides have found full rhythm. Javi Puado is their most creative threat. Their best hope is a scrappy, nervy first half, and to steal something on the counter.
Espanyol Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-4-2
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Key match-up
Vinicius Jr vs Espanyol's right-back is the key duel. If Real Madrid's left side is given freedom — which it usually is — expect their best attacking moments to come through that channel. Bellingham's movement from deep into the Espanyol box will also be a constant threat that is nearly impossible to neutralise over 90 minutes.
Prediction & picks
- Real Madrid win (77%) — the gulf in squad quality is significant.
- Vinicius Jr to score or assist (68%) — he dominates lower-table opponents.
- Both teams to score (42%) — Espanyol may nick one but Real Madrid score multiple.
- Prediction: Espanyol 0–3 Real Madrid. A comfortable away win to start the title defence.