Real Madrid is gearing up for the opening match of the La Liga 2026/27 season against Espanyol, scheduled for 2:30 AM on August 23. Under the leadership of new coach Jose Mourinho, the team is in high spirits, having gone unbeaten in their last eight matches, with seven victories to their name.

Real Madrid's squad boasts a wealth of talent, including stars like Kylian Mbappe, which positions them as favorites against Espanyol. Historically, Madrid has dominated this matchup, winning 21 of their last 24 encounters, including the last two without conceding a goal.

Espanyol, on the other hand, started their season positively with a 3-0 victory over Levante. However, their home performance has been inconsistent, winning only 2 out of their last 11 official matches at their home ground, with 4 draws and 5 losses.

Given the disparity in form and squad strength, expectations are high for Real Madrid to secure all three points in what marks Mourinho's debut in La Liga. Fans are eager to see if the team can deliver a commanding performance and set the tone for the season ahead.