Espanyol has not won a game in 2026 and faces Real Madrid this weekend, which could impact the title race. A win for Espanyol could help Barcelona secure the Spanish title.
Key points
Espanyol has not won a game in 2026.
Real Madrid's match against Espanyol could impact the title race.
Barcelona could secure the title if Espanyol wins.
Real Madrid is without several injured players.
Ivan Romero is a key player to watch for Espanyol.
EspanyolReal MadridBarcelonaOsasuna
Espanyol have not won a game in 2026 and their match against Real Madrid this weekend could play a part in deciding the title race (Josep LAGO)Espanyol have not won a game in 2026 and their match against Real Madrid this weekend could play a part in deciding the title race (Josep LAGO)
(Josep LAGO/AFP/AFP)
Espanyol have not won a single game in 2026 and if they finally break that run against Real Madrid on Sunday it could hand their city rivals Barcelona the Spanish title.
Manolo Gonzalez's side started the season brilliantly and at Christmas were fifth, knocking on the doors of Champions League qualification.
It seemed unlikely the team from Cornella could maintain that superb form, but their plunge down to 13th, just five points clear of the relegation zone, has been equally surprising.
Although Espanyol fans would rather not deliver Hansi Flick's Barca a second consecutive Spanish league triumph, the club's survival in the top flight is at stake in the five final games of the season.
If Barcelona beat Osasuna on Saturday and Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid drop points against Espanyol, the Catalan giants will be crowned champions.
Barca start the weekend 11 points clear of second-placed Madrid.
It was Barca who started Espanyol's bad run this year, beating them 2-0 on January 3, the first of 16 straight matches without a win for Gonzalez's team.
Espanyol fans showed their disgust after a goalless draw against lowly Levante on Monday which was their chance to break the negative streak.
"The players are people who are carrying a heavy burden," said coach Gonzalez.
"Just like in the first half of the season, momentum led you to win even when you didn't deserve it, now even when you deserve to win, you don't manage it.
"The team gives everything it has, but it's not enough."
Opponents Real Madrid are also carrying a feeling of failure with them, although they can delay Barcelona's title celebrations with a victory.
Madrid can avoid having to give the reigning champions a traditional guard of honour at the Camp Nou on May 10 in the Clasico if they defeat Espanyol -- although it would mean Barca can win the league against them.
Reports have circulated in recent days that Madrid are considering turning to former coach Jose Mourinho to replace Arbeloa in the summer.
Los Blancos are set to end a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy and just have their pride to play for between now and the end of the season.
Madrid will be without various injured players, including and defender Eder Militao.
"Being able to fight in every game, regardless of the opponent or what's at stake on the pitch, is one of the things we have to improve," said Arbeloa last week, calling on his team to try and finish the season well.
Player to watch: Ivan Romero
Levante, 19th, are two points from safety and face a derby clash against high-flying on Sunday. They will be looking to Spanish striker Ivan Romero to try and snatch them something on the road, after he netted three goals in the last four games, following a 17-match drought without finding the net.
Key stats
6 - years since , sixth, last played European football
8 - Barcelona players with 10 or more combined goals and assists in La Liga this season
55 - goals conceded by struggling Sevilla, the worst tally in the division
Fixtures
Friday (all times GMT)
v (1900)
Saturday
Villarreal v Levante (1200), v Atletico Madrid (1415), v (1630), Osasuna v Barcelona (1900)
Sunday
v (1200), Getafe v (1415), v (1630), Espanyol v Real Madrid (1900)
Monday
Sevilla v (1900)
rbs/mw
Q&A
What is Espanyol's current winless streak in 2026?
Espanyol has not won a single game in 2026, extending their winless streak to 16 matches.
How could Espanyol's match against Real Madrid affect the title race?
If Espanyol wins against Real Madrid, it could allow Barcelona to clinch the Spanish title, as they are currently 11 points ahead of Madrid.
What are the implications of Real Madrid's performance against Espanyol?
A victory for Real Madrid could delay Barcelona's title celebrations and prevent them from receiving a guard of honour at the upcoming Clasico.
Who is the player to watch in the upcoming Espanyol vs Real Madrid match?
Ivan Romero is highlighted as a key player for Espanyol, having scored three goals in his last four games.
Related Articles
Sports
Neville: Man Utd-Liverpool huge for Carrick and Slot, neither can afford to lose
Man Utd's clash with Liverpool is vital for managers Carrick and Slot.
Sky Sports··1 min read
NFL
Where do Commanders pick in way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft?
Where do the Commanders stand in the 2027 NFL Draft? No. 11 pick projected!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Bills built cornerback depth in the draft after learning a hard lesson
Yahoo Sports·
Sports·Feature
Felicity Barnard: ‘I’m hugely positive about racing. I love it and all the characters in it’
Felicity Barnard shares her positive outlook on Ascot racing and upcoming events.
The Guardian Sport··1 min read
Sports
Chess: England fail to win senior team world medals for first time in five years
England's senior chess teams failed to win medals at the world championships for the first time in five years, finishing fourth in both the over-50 and over-65 categories. The US team retained the over-50 gold, while a German team won the over-65 event.
The Guardian Sport··1 min read
Sports
‘You have to laugh or you’d cry’: how fixture list chaos blights women’s football
