Predicted Teams Espanyol-Real Madrid: A rare start for Gonzalo Garcia?

A rare start for Gonzalo Garcia?

As per MD, Gonzalo Garcia will be handed a rare start for Real Madrid, with Aurelien Tchouameni returning to the midfield in place of Thiago Pitarch. Otherwise the only change they foresee from Los Blancos’ 1-1 draw with Real Betis is the return of Alvaro Carreras at left-back.

Diario AS feel Pitarch could retain his spot over Gonzalo, but it may well be Eduardo Camavinga that comes in, with Arbeloa not flush for alternatives. Franco Mastantuono is the only other attacking option on the bench.

Number nine debate also alive at Espanyol

The number nine debate also exists at Espanyol, where Manolo Gonzalez is debating whether to use the experienced Kike Garcia up front, or the more energetic Roberto Fernandez. Otherwise Los Pericos have a relatively settled line-up, with Tyrhys Dolan coming in for the injured Ngonge, and Urko Gonzalez and Edu Exposito anchoring the midfield in the absence of Lozano.

Espanyol are hoping to end a run of 16 games without a win that has been running for the whole of 2026, while Real Madrid are seeking a second win since March, with just one in their last seven games.