Espanyol are in desperate need of points as they battle relegation, but facing league leaders Real Madrid isn’t exactly the easiest way to climb the table.
Sitting 18th with just 20 points, Espanyol will have to dig deep to pull off an upset. Meanwhile, Madrid are cruising at the top with 49 points from 21 matches, making them clear favorites heading into this clash.
Espanyol are unbeaten in their last three, showing some resilience with draws against Leganes and Sevilla, plus a win over Valladolid.
However, Madrid’s form is on another level, winning three straight with a combined 11-1 scoreline, including dominant victories over Valladolid and Brest.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Real Valladolid vs. Real Madrid live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: ESPN+, ESPN App
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the United States. Streaming options are available on ESPN App and ESPN+.
For a limited time you can get an ESPN+ subscription for $11.99 per month or purchase an annual plan for $119.99 per year, a $24 savings. Stream your favorite teams live and enjoy more sports anywhere with an ESPN+ subscription.
What time does Espanyol vs. Real Madrid kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain and kicks off on Saturday, February 1 at 9 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Feb. 1 | 3 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Feb. 1 | 2 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Feb. 1 | 1 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Feb. 1 | 12 p.m. |
Espanyol vs. Real Madrid lineups, team news
Espanyol will be sweating over the fitness of Brian Oliván, who remains doubtful with a thigh injury.
Meanwhile, José Gragera is set to miss out due to a broken finger, limiting Espanyol’s options in midfield as they prepare to face the league leaders.
Espanyol starting XI (4-4-2, right to left): Garcia (GK) — Olivan, Cabrera, Kumbulla, Hilali — Carreras, Lozano, Kral, Tejero — Fernandez, Puado.
Injured: Olivan, Gragera
Suspended: None
Real Madrid, on the other hand, continue to deal with long-term absences, with both Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão sidelined by cruciate ligament injuries.
Eduardo Camavinga is also out until mid-February with a hamstring issue, while Jesús Vallejo remains a doubt with a muscle injury. Despite these setbacks, Los Blancos still boast plenty of firepower to handle business against Espanyol.
Real Madrid starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Garcia, Rudiger, Asencio, Vazquez — Ceballos, Valverde, Bellingham — Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
Injured: Carvajal, Camavinga, Militao, Vallejo
Suspended: None.
Espanyol vs. Real Madrid Prediction
With 15 goals scored in their last six away games, Los Blancos should have enough firepower to get the job done.
- Prediction: Espanyol 0-2 Real Madrid
La Liga fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Friday, 31st January
- Leganes vs. Rayo Vallecano (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday 1st February
- Getafe vs. Sevilla (8:00 am)
- Villarreal vs. Real Valladolid (10:15 am)
- Atlético Madrid vs. Mallorca (12:30 pm)
- Espanyol vs. Real Madrid (3:00 pm)
Sunday 2nd February
- Barcelona vs. Deportivo Alavés (8:00 am)
- Valencia vs. Celta Vigo (10:15 am)
- Osasuna vs. Real Sociedad (12:30 pm)
- Real Betis vs. Athletic Club (3:00 pm)
Monday 3rd February
- Girona vs. Las Palmas (3:00 pm)
