Football
Football
Match Report
Gambling
News

Espanyol vs Real Madrid Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Date: February 1, 2025 Kickoff Time: 20:00 (UK Time) Venue: RCDE Stadium SportsBoom previews the hotly anticipated La Liga match between Espanyol and Real Madrid at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday, 1 February 2025. As kick-off draws near, La Liga betting fans are diving into the odds and team analysis to make the most informed wagers. For expert tips from the best online betting sites consisting of all the essential insights, check out our full match preview. Defending champions Real Madrid are setting the pace at the summit of La Liga, aiming for a fifth league victory on the trot as Kylian Mbappe seems to have settled into his scoring groove in the famous white shirt.

Bryan Naicker
Bryan Naicker

Last Updated: 2025-01-30

Chad Nagel

7 minutes read

Real Madrid CF v Atalanta BC - UEFA Super Cup 2024

Real Madrid CF v Atalanta BC - UEFA Super Cup 2024//Getty Images

Next up in their sights is a trip to Barcelona against Espanyol, who come into the match unbeaten in five home games as the backbone of their hopes to escape their perennial relegation-threatened predicament. This encounter has all the ingredients to provide fans with an intriguing contest.

Espanyol have renewed confidence, going unbeaten in three matches against Leganes (1-1), Real Valladolid (2-1), and Sevilla (1-1), claiming five points in January 2025, which has mathematically been their most successful month in La Liga, yet have their toughest test on the horizon. Real Madrid have been beating teams handsomely thanks to Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, with both marquee signings hoping to continue their rich vein of form prior to next Saturday’s match with crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid.

PRE-GAME ODDS AND WIN PROBABILITY

REAL MADRID ARE SHORT-PRICED FAVORITES

  1. HOME: 78/10 (8.80) – 11,4%

  2. DRAW: 46/10 (5.60) – 17,9%

  3. AWAY: 33/100 (1.33) – 75,2%

  4. *Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

Last Five Meetings (La Liga)

  1. 21/09/24: Real Madrid 4-1 Espanyol

  2. 11/03/23: Real Madrid 3-1 Espanyol

  3. 28/08/22: Espanyol 1-3 Real Madrid

  4. 30/04/22: Real Madrid 4-0 Espanyol

  5. 03/10/21: Espanyol 2-1 Real Madrid

ESPANYOL: CURRENT FORM – DWDLD

Espanyol have been taking the lead in the first half of La Liga matches and then proceeding to attempt holding onto the advantage with all hands on deck, succumbing to a handful of draws after their defence has eventually been penetrated.

This is the main area of concern for manager Manolo Gonzalez to help keep Espanyol afloat in the top-flight this season. Reinforcements have been brought in during the January transfer window in the form of centre-back, Pablo Ramon (Real Madrid Castilla) on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, midfielder Urko Gonzalez de Zarate (Real Sociedad) made his debut off the bench against Sevilla and striker Roberto Fernandez scored the winner with a bullet header on his debut against Real Valladolid (2-1), claiming maximum points and the hearts of Espanyol supporters.

Los Periquitos manager Manolo Gonzalez usually changes his system to 5-3-2 against Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid, however, it proved fruitless on both occasions.

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

  • Javi Puado: The midfielder is Espanyol’s top-goal scorer in La Liga, netting seven times and tallying three assists, including a powerful first-time finish against Barcelona. Puado was a constant threat to Barcelona and the plan will be to replicate the performance, although he will be in for a tough day at the office against Real Madrid’s Fran Garcia.
  • Roberto Fernandez: The striker arrived on loan from Braga in January, hitting the ground running and scoring the winner on his debut. One of the possible reasons to join Espanyol could have been the opportunity to showcase his talent against the likes of Real Madrid in his home country. 
  • Alejo Veliz: The 21-year-old Argentine striker on loan from Tottenham Hotspur has had an underwhelming first half of the campaign, scoring just once in 17 appearances. With the team gelling as a unit, more service will be provided for Veliz to get on the scoresheet more often.

ESPANYOL TEAM NEWS

Defender Brian Olivan (thigh injury) was withdrawn early in the first half against Sevilla last week and midfielder Jose Gragera (foot injury) will miss this high-profile clash as the champions come to town.

REAL MADRID: CURRENT FORM – WWWWD

Real Madrid had a four-point lead over crosstown rivals Atletico Madrid after game week 21. They sealed a 3-0 victory away at Real Valladolid with French superstar Kylian Mbappe running riot at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, scoring his first hattrick for Los Blancos.

Master tactician, Carlo Ancelotti, will have one eye on next week’s crucial match the ‘Derbi Madrileno’ against fellow title challengers Atletico Madrid. However, the Italian won’t want to leave the door ajar and select his best team to put Espanyol to the sword.

During their last four La Liga victories, Real Madrid have struck the perfect balance as Dani Ceballos has started each game in midfield alongside Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham, proving to work wonders. Valverde is allowed to get involved in the attacking play with Jude Bellingham, while Ceballos provides enough defensive cover with his hard-tackling style of play.

Meanwhile, Fran Garcia seems to have cemented his starting berth at left-back, consistently impressing in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. 

KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH

  • Rodrygo: Mbappe and Bellingham have taken over the mantle of scoring as well as the headlines while Vinicius Junior sat on the sidelines serving his suspension. Although, Rodrygo has been in fine form, going under the radar - scoring three goals in his last five La Liga matches.
  • Federico Valverde: The Uruguayan midfielder was hailed as "the most complete player in football" by manager Carlo Ancelotti, following their UEFA Champions League victory over RB Salzburg (5-1), two weeks ago, when the started as right-back. However, Valverde is much more influential in his current box-to-box midfield role creating havoc with his insane passing range from deeper-lying midfield areas.
  • Fran Garcia: The greatest left-backs in Real Madrid history will undoubtedly be Brazilians Roberto Carlos and Marcelo. Los Blancos have had the most success when these two have been involved. Fran Garcia has big shoes to fill and looks more confident with each passing game under his belt, a definite superstar in the making.

REAL MADRID TEAM NEWS

Eduardo Camavinga (hamstring) is expected to be named on the bench after returning to full fitness, while Eder Militao and Dani Carvajal will continue rehabilitation and most likely feature next season after suffering ACL knee injuries. 

PREDICTED LINE-UPS

  1. Espanyol: 5-3-2

    Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero, Tejero; Lozano, Kral, Carreras; Puado, Fernandez.

  2. Real Madrid: 4-2-3-1

    Courtois; Asencio, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Garcia; Ceballos, Valverde; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe.

SUGGESTED BETS

If you love betting on La Liga, here are some bets you can place at some of the top La Liga betting sites.

  1. Over 2.5 Goals: The past five meetings between these opponents have easily seen Over 2.5 goals scored. (61/100 with Betway) (60/100 with Stake) (60/100 with 1Win)

  2. Both Teams to Score: Real Madrid’s inability to keep clean sheets with a makeshift defence including midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, together with the last three meetings between these sides being goal-filled encounters, this looks a profitable bet. (100/100 with Betway) (100/100 with Stake) (100/100 with 1Win)

  3. Double Chance and Overs/Unders (Total 3.5): Draw/Real Madrid & Over 3.5 is our preferred selection, with a high-scoring contest on the cards and Espanyol very unlikely to reign victorious. (170/100 with Betway) (165/100 with Stake) (165/100 with 1Win)

VALUE BETS

  1. Both Halves Over 1.5: Yes, when these opponents clash, fans are treated to the best footballers in the world displaying their dominance, this could be a lucrative selection. (320/100 with Betway) (320/100 with Stake) (310/100 with 1Win)

  2. Goal Range: 4-5 This selection holds strong appeal seeing as the previous meetings between these sides have accumulated this goal range. (240/100 with Betway) (230/100 with Stake) (230/100 with 1Win)

  3. Real Madrid Total (Total 4.5): Over 4.5 Goals with Real Madrid expected to run riot in Barcelona against Espanyol, we wouldn’t put it past them to score five goals. (720/100 with Betway) (700/100 with Stake) (700/100 with 1Win)

PREDICTION: REAL MADRID TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE

Real Madrid won the reverse fixture 4-1 earlier this season at the Santiago Bernabeu. Espanyol also scored a consolation goal in their fixture against Barcelona (3-1). We anticipate this trend to continue as Los Blancos maintain their charge to claim another La Liga title.

Bryan Naicker
Bryan NaickerSports Writer

Bryan Naicker is an enthusiastic sports writer, specializing in football and cricket. Completely in love with the quality of UEFA Champions League, Spanish La Liga and English Premier League football. However, been known to dabble in less popular leagues, providing previews, tips and analysis for various sports betting websites.

SportsBoom offers honest and impartial bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence.