After just two games of the 2015-2016 season, Espanyol and Real Madrid will try to add more points to their tally when they meet at Power8 Stadium. Los Periquitos suffered a 3-1 loss against Villarreal before the International Break, while Rafael Benitez's crew destroyed recently promoted Betis with a 5-0 scoreline.
Los Blancos are yet to concede their first goal in the Spanish top flight, while Espanyol will try to win back-to-back games at home, following their 1-0 win over Getafe. Here are the key facts to consider prior to this match.
Espanyol
Los Periquitos had to let go some of their key elements during the summer transfer window, including goalkeeper Kiko Casilla and Lucas Vázquez. Curiously enough, both players ended up joining Real Madrid, although none of them is expected to make a start. If Espanyol wants to shock Los Blancos, the team will have to rely heavily on what Felipe Caicedo and Gerard Moreno can do up front, while the team's defensive duties will have Alvaro González in charge. Neither Marco Asensio nor newcomer Burgui will be able to play, since their loan deals prevent them from performing against their parent club.
Real Madrid
Los Blancos put up quite a show during their last outing against Betis, and they will surely try to do that against Espanyol. The team's major concerns will be those regarding Cristiano Ronaldo, who needs to end his goal scoring drought in the current La Liga season. Meanwhile, the team will have to make due without James Rodriguez and Danilo, after both came down with injuries during the recently concluded international break.
Head to head
Real Madrid has won the six most recent games against Espanyol in any ground or competition, outscoring the opposition 13-2. Last year, Real Madrid took both games with a three-goal margin, including a 4-1 win at Power8 Stadium. In that game, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick for Los Blancos, while Keylor Navas made a rather surprising start back them, making a huge mistake that gave away the hosts' lonely goal.
Team sheets for Espanyol vs Real Madrid
Espanyol's Starting XI: López, Arbilla, Alvaro, Ciani, Duarte, Victor, Javi López, V. Álvarez, Salva, Gerard, Caicedo.
Real Madrid's Starting XI: Navas, Pepe, Ramos, Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale, Marcelo, Casemiro, Carvajal, Modric, Isco.
Espanyol's subs: Bardi, Montañes, Cañas, Fuentes, Jordán, Raillo, Mamadou.
Real Madrid's subs: Casilla, Varane, Kroos, Kovacic, Arbeloa, Lucas Vázquez, Jesé.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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