Real Madrid fans are feeling great after Wednesday’s Champions League win over AS Roma. The club is looking to win an unprecedented fourth straight title, and they are off to a great start after beating Roma 3-0. Now, Real Madrid is turning its attention back to La Liga, and they are looking to secure a big win this weekend. They are heavy favorites over Espanyol, despite the visitors getting off to a very strong start this year.
Don't miss the Spanish La Liga action from the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain at 2:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 22, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on beIN Sports.
Spanish La Liga Betting at BookMaker.eu
Espanyol +1276
Real Madrid -526
Draw +616
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
Odds Analysis
It’s been a great start to the season for Espanyol. Barcelona’s other club finished in 11th place last year with a 12-13-13 record, but they are currently sitting in fourth place through four games with a 2-1-1 record this year. Espanyol have been sharp in the back, allowing just three goals through those four games. They have not been great away from home so far this season though, with a draw against Celta Vigo and a loss at Alaves.
Through four games, Real Madrid are second in the La Liga standings with a record of 3-0-1. They got off to a good start in domestic play, beating Getafe, Girona, and Leganes by multiple goals and giving their fans easy wins on the La Liga three-way betting line. Real Madrid finally dropped points last weekend by only grabbing a draw on the road against Athletic Bilbao. That is one of the toughest places to play in Spain though, so the visitors couldn’t be too upset with a tie.
Injury Report
Real Madrid’s good fortune has continued in the medical department. The club has no injuries to note after center back Jesus Vallejo returned to training this week.
Espanyol has two injuries to highlight ahead of this match. Center back Oscar Duarte returned to training this week after missing last week’s match against Levante with a knee injury. He might be available against Real Madrid, and that would give Espanyol a spark. Forward Javi Puado is doubtful to play as he is still recovering from a knee issue.
Player to Watch
Manager Julen Lopetegui continues to prefer Marco Asensio to Isco in domestic play, and Asensio is expected to be in the starting eleven again for Real Madrid this weekend. Asensio has played great in La Liga action this year. He has yet to score, but he has worked very well with Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale up front, racing up the side to create opportunities for the more seasoned forwards.
La Liga Prop Bet – Real Madrid Under 2.5 Goals at +103
It might feel like I’m playing with fire a little bit when I’m betting on Real Madrid to not score at home, but this Espanyol defense has been very good so far. It’s no easy feat to allow just three goals through four matches in a league as deep and talented as La Liga, and this team has been able to hold down Real Madrid in recent years. Espanyol actually beat Real Madrid 1-0 at home the last time these teams met and held Real to just two goals in each of their last two meetings in the Bernabeu. Additionally, this is a letdown situation for Real Madrid after just securing a big Champions League win on Wednesday.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The under is a good play in this one, and I also like Espanyol to cover on the goal line. They will play solid defense and pack it in at the back, and that has worked against Real recently.
Spanish La Liga Odds: Real Madrid 1, Espanyol 0
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