Real Madrid will look to continue their perfect start to the campaign when they welcome Espanyol to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.
Xabi Alonso's side followed their 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the league with a win over Marseille in the Champions League with the same scoreline despite going down to 10 men. Ace Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show with his brace of penalties
On the other hand, Espanyol have also made a strong start to the campaign, jumping to third in the league rankings with their 3-2 win over Mallorca, while maintaining their unbeaten streak of four games.
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 Madrid vs. Espanyol live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: ESPN Select
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the English Language. Streaming options are available on ESPN Select.
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What time does Real Madrid vs. Espanyol kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain and kicks off on Saturday, September 20 at 4:15 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Sep. 20 | 10:15 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Sep. 20 | 9:15 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Sep. 20 | 8:15 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Sep. 20 | 7:15 a.m. |
Real Madrid vs. Mallorca lineups, team news
Alonso is facing a growing defensive headache with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to miss the next six weeks with a hamstring injury. The England international was forced off after just five minutes against Marseille.
Centre-back Antonio Rudiger is ruled out until 2026, Ferland Mendy remains sidelined and Dean Huijsen is set to serve a one-game suspension. Real Madrid are still waiting on a appeal regarding Huijsen, after La Liga admitted his red card at Real Sociedad last weekend was an error by the officials.
One confirmed positive for Alonso is the early return of Jude Bellingham following shoulder surgery, and with Aurelien Tchouameni potentially dropping into defence, the England star could start in midfield.
Real Madrid predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Tchouameni, Militao, Carreras — Valverde, Bellingham — Mastantuono, Guler, Vinicius Junior — Mbappe
Injured: Alexander-Arnold (hamstring), Rudiger (hamstring), Mendy (muscle)
Suspended: Huijsen
Gonzalez has opted for little change within his ranks after a strong start to 2025/26. However, he will be forced into one switch, with top scorer Pere Milla serving a one-game ban following his red card in the win over Mallorca.
Veteran forward Kike Garcia is set to come in as his replacement after netting the clincher from the penalty spot last time out.
Espanyol predicted starting XI (4-5-1): Dmitrovic (GK) — El Hilali, Cabrera, Calero, Romero — Dolan, Gonzalez, Lozano, Pickel, Puado — Garcia
Injured: Olivan (calf), Gragera (muscle)
Suspended: Milla
La Liga schedule this week
Friday, September 19
- Real Betis vs. Real Sociedad (3:00 p.m. ET)
Saturday, September 20
- Girona vs. Levante (8:00 a.m. ET)
- Real Madrid vs. Espanyol (10:15 a.m. ET)
- Deportivo Alaves vs. Sevilla (12:30 p.m. ET)
- Villarreal vs. Osasuna (12:30 p.m. ET)
- Valencia vs. Athletic Club (3:00 p.m. ET)
Sunday, September 21
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Celta Vigo (8:00 p.m. ET)
- Real Betis vs. Athletic Club (1:00 p.m. ET)
- Mallorca vs. Atletico Madrid (10:15 a.m. ET)
- Elche vs. Real Oviedo (12:30 p.m. ET)
- Barcelona vs. Getafe (3:00 p.m. ET)