TIPS - Real Madrid CF VS RCD Espanyol

[(Real Madrid CF) Strength]:
1. Real Madrid CF currently sit in first place in La Liga, leading the table with a perfect winning record and demonstrating their strong dominance. The team just secured a winning start in the Champions League, and with morale high, they are sure to leverage their home advantage to continue their winning streak in the league.
2. Real Madrid CF have shown great strength in the new season's La Liga and Champions League matches. In their last Champions League game, they secured a 2-1 home victory against Olympique de Marseille, getting off to a winning start in the competition. Their continuous league victories beforehand maintain their strong momentum for the title.
3. Real Madrid CF have been stable at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, having secured an impressive 7-game home winning streak across seasons. Their home strength is beyond doubt.
4. Real Madrid CF's offense has performed excellently at the start of the season. Led by Kylian Mbappe, the frontline is firing on all cylinders, scoring 8 goals in 4 league games, an average of 2 goals per match.
5. Although Real Madrid CF lost several starters on their defensive line, the team only conceded 2 goals after 4 league rounds, with an average of less than 1 goal conceded per game.
6. In the last 10 encounters against RCD Espanyol, Real Madrid CF have the overwhelming upper hand with 8 wins and 2 losses, with a high win rate of 80%.

[(Real Madrid CF) Weakness]:
1. Real Madrid CF's defensive line is facing a serious crisis. Antonio Rudiger will be out for nearly three months due to a muscle problem, Trent Alexander-Arnold is sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks with a hamstring injury, and Dean Huijsen is also suspended after a red card. David Alaba is not in good form, and Raul Asencio may be forced to play as a center-back.
2. Real Madrid CF won in a row lately, but in AH, they failed to win the previous 3 games and won only one of the last 10 competitive games at home.

[(RCD Espanyol) Strength]:
1. RCD Espanyol are currently ranked 3rd in La Liga, with a surprisingly good start to the season. Facing the strong Real Madrid on the road, the team are confident they can cause problems.
2. RCD Espanyol unexpectedly defeated RCD Mallorca 3-2 in the last round despite being a man down. Their record of 3 wins and 1 draw keeps them undefeated at the start of the season, placing them third in La Liga.
3. RCD Espanyol scored 8 goals in the last 4 games, averaging 2 goals per game, showing multiple scorers on offense.
4. RCD Espanyol won the previous 4 games and the first away match of the new season in AH, showing outstanding performances lately.

[(RCD Espanyol) Weakness]:
1. RCD Espanyol's starting striker Pere Milla received a red card and is suspended for this round. He has been the team's best-performing player at the start of the season, and his absence is a significant blow to the team's attack. Attacking midfielder Javi Hernandez is also out with a metatarsal fracture.
2. RCD Espanyol's only away game this season ended in a draw with Real Sociedad. They have now gone five consecutive La Liga away games without a win across seasons, and their performance on the road needs urgent improvement.
3. RCD Espanyol conceded 5 goals in the last 4 league games, averaging over 1 goal per game, boasting unstable defense. They will face immense pressure from Real Madrid's attack in this match.
4. RCD Espanyol lost all of their last 10 away games against Real Madrid. In their last 5 encounters, they have scored only 1 goal while conceding 14, showing a complete lack of confidence at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

[Tips]:
While Real Madrid CF have the home advantage and an absolute historical edge, the team's defensive line is facing a serious personnel crisis with multiple starting defenders absent, severely impacting their defensive stability.

The demand on the home team's physical fitness is also very high with two matches in one week.

Real Madrid's home advantage is clear, with an 11-game winning streak against RCD Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, giving them a massive psychological edge.

Besides, Real Madrid's luxurious attacking lineup, featuring Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior, has outstanding ability and can break through any defense.

Although Espanyol's away game performance has improved, it will be very difficult for them to keep a clean sheet against Real Madrid's home momentum and strong attack.

Additionally, their in-form player, Pere Milla, is suspended, which will also significantly affect their offense.

Therefore, in this match, Real Madrid are expected to win by at least a two-goal margin.

[Recommended]:
Real Madrid CF (-2)