RCD Espanyol face José Mourinho's Real Madrid this Saturday at the RCDE Stadium following a perfect start to the season. Manolo González's side thrashed Levante 3-0 last weekend and now look to confirm their good form against elite opposition.
The Madrid manager, José Mourinho, has highlighted the advantage Espanyol have from managerial continuity. "Mourinho pointed out their established routines and dynamics from having the same coach for the last four years," the Portuguese coach explained in the build-up to the match. González is indeed in his fourth season in charge of the perico team, having achieved promotion in 2024-25 and consolidated the club in the top flight with 14th and 11th-place finishes.
A game with purpose
Tactical analysis from last season reveals a team that does not dominate possession but is effective. Their PPDA (passes allowed per defensive action) of 12.16 placed them in the mid-table range in LaLiga, far from an aggressive press but also from a passive low block. Although they created the fourth-fewest big chances and ranked 17th for touches in the opposition area, they finished 11th in xG (expected goals) and 10th in shots on target. This points to an attack with few entries but clear purpose.
Espanyol's great speciality last term was set-pieces. Only three teams scored more set-piece goals than the 14 netted by the Cornellà-El Prat side. It is a notable return for a team that does not usually pin the opponent back for long periods. The departures of Kike García and Carlos Romero, who contributed nine goals and assists from left-back, test the continuity of this effectiveness.
The threat of Roberto Fernández
The main offensive hope rests with Roberto Fernández. The forward scored seven goals in LaLiga last season and has already started this one with two goals in the opening game. He is a constant presence inside the box but also contributes to pressing the two centre-backs and the goalkeeper when needed. His ability to appear at key moments makes him the team's most dangerous player.
Saturday's match is a high-level examination to gauge the progress of the project. Fans can check the full season schedule on our fixtures page and the state of the squad in the squad section. After the clash with Madrid, Espanyol will visit Celta Vigo in the competition's third matchday.
