Mbappe is dealing with a torn hamstring in his left leg, which ruled him out for several weeks. He is targeting a return for El Clasico, but is very much in doubt, as his real focus is to be fit for the World Cup.

The Frenchman is in the middle controversy as instead of rehabbing, he was seen on vacations in Italy alongside rumored girlfriend, Spanish actress Ester Exposito. This prompted a backlash of many Madrid fans, questioning the forward’s professionalism.

Why is Courtois not playing vs Espanyol?

Thibaut Courtois is still recovering from a muscular injury he suffered during a Champions League match against Manchester City. He’s been sidelined since March 17. The injury was in the right quadriceps.

Courtois has returned to partial training, and is also aiming to return on May 10 for the showdown vs Barcelona. Madrid are on the verge of consummating a no-title season once again, which is unacceptable to this team’s standards.

Who will play instead of Mbappe and Courtois?

It’s pretty much a guarantee that Andriy Lunin will be the goalkeeper, as he’s a premium backup for Courtois. Lunin has played 11 games this season, conceding 21 goals. While these are not good numbers, Lunin is still a very good goalkeeper.

As for who’ll replace Mbappe, manager Alvaro Arbeloa has used either Arda Guler or Brahim Diaz. This allows the team to keep up the pace up front. However, Gonzalo Garcia gives Madrid the ability to use a more traditional center forward.

[Watch Espanyol vs Real Madrid live in the USA on Fubo]

Barcelona moved to the brink of the 2025/2026 La Liga title after a 2–1 win over Osasuna, leaving Real Madrid with little margin for error if they hope to keep the race alive.

Even as long shots, Madrid—led by Kylian Mbappe—must deliver a win against Espanyol, a side still battling to secure safety while sitting five points clear of the relegation zone and eager to eliminate any doubt.

When will the Espanyol vs Real Madrid match be played?

Espanyol take on Real Madrid on Sunday, May 3, for the Matchday 34 of the 2025-2026 La Liga. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET).

Espanyol vs Real Madrid: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Espanyol vs Real Madrid in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025/2026 La Liga clash between Espanyol and Real Madrid in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options: ESPN+, DirecTV Stream, Sling Orange, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side comes into the match after a 2-1 home win over Alaves, although its recent results have been inconsistent. The situation is different for Barcelona, who have secured victories in each of their last five matches.

This matchday and the four remaining ones are Real Madrid’s opportunities to close the gap on the league leaders. They are currently 14 points behind, making a win today essential, especially with another edition of El Clasico at Camp Nou scheduled for next weekend.

What happens if Real Madrid beat Espanyol today?

If Real Madrid win today against Espanyol, they would reach 77 points and move within 11 of Barcelona. The two sides will meet on Matchday 35, giving Madrid a chance to further close the gap. Difficult? Yes. But not impossible.

What happens if Real Madrid and Espanyol tie today?

If the match between Real Madrid and Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium ends in a draw, Los Blancos would be 13 points behind Barcelona with only 12 still to play. In that scenario, Barcelona would be crowned LaLiga champions.

What happens if Real Madrid lose to Espanyol today?

If Real Madrid lose against Espanyol, they would be out of the title race. Their arch-rivals Barcelona would secure the 2025-26 LaLiga title.

The Polish striker has been one of Barcelona’s most consistent performers this campaign, starting 12 matches while registering 12 goals and one assist. His presence in the final third has been constant, reflected in his 55 total shots, 26 on target, and frequent involvement in high-risk attacking positions.

Despite those numbers, head coach Hansi Flick has opted to leave Lewandowski on the bench for this fixture, suggesting a tactical or rotational decision rather than a disciplinary issue or confirmed injury. Barcelona will also be without Raphinha, who is unavailable for this game.

Barcelona confirmed lineup vs Espanyol

Barcelona’s starting XI shows a blend of youth and defensive solidity, with several key attacking options still present despite Lewandowski’s absence: Joan Garcia; Balde, R. Araujo, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín; Gavi, Pedri, Fermin; Ferran, Lamine Yamal, Eric.

Espanyol confirmed lineup vs Barcelona

Espanyol lines up with a balanced mix of defensive structure and attacking mobility: Dmitrovic; El Hilali, F. Calero, Cabrera, C. Romero; Pol Lozano, Urko, Edu Expósito; Dolan, Ngonge, Kike G.

Barcelona enter the match as LaLiga leaders with 76 points, holding a six-point advantage over second-place Real Madrid, adding further intrigue to a lineup decision that leaves out one of their top scorers.

[Watch Barcelona vs Espanyol live in the USA on Fubo]

One of the weekend’s marquee fixtures is set to deliver as the Catalan Derby returns with major implications. Barcelona enter the matchup focused on holding their place at the top of the table and continuing their push toward the La Liga title, knowing every result is critical at this stage.

Standing in their way will be Espanyol, who view this rivalry clash as a prime chance to strengthen their European hopes and disrupt their rivals’ championship run in a high-stakes battle for three crucial points.

When will the Barcelona vs Espanyol match be played?

Barcelona receive Espanyol on Saturday, April 11, for the Matchday 31 of the 2025-2026 La Liga. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 PM (ET).

Barcelona vs Espanyol: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:30 PM
CT: 11:30 AM
MT: 10:30 AM
PT: 9:30 AM

How to watch Barcelona vs Espanyol in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025/2026 La Liga clash between Barcelona and Espanyol in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options: ESPN+, DirecTV Stream and ESPN Deportes.

He was forced off after feeling discomfort in his right thigh. Subsequent medical tests confirmed a hamstring muscle injury, with FC Barcelona later announcing a recovery timeline of approximately five weeks.

As a result, he has missed multiple matches across competitions, including Champions League knockout games and domestic league fixtures, with the Espanyol clash also falling within that recovery window.

How and when did Raphinha get injured?

Raphinha suffered a right hamstring injury on March 26, during an international friendly between Brazil and France, forcing him to leave the match at halftime. The Brazilian Football Federation confirmed a biceps femoris (hamstring) injury, which has been a recurring issue for him this season.

Barcelona confirmed the diagnosis shortly after, announcing that the winger would return to Spain to begin treatment. The injury came at a critical point in the season, ruling him out of key fixtures, including Champions League knockout matches and important LaLiga games.

Notably, this is not an isolated setback. He has dealt with multiple muscle injuries throughout the 2025–26 campaign, making this latest issue part of a broader pattern of physical struggles during a congested schedule.

When could Raphinha return to play?

Raphinha is expected to return in early May 2026, with an estimated recovery timeline of around five weeks from the date of injury. Barcelona’s official medical update set his recovery period at approximately five weeks, which places his potential return around May 3.

Internally, the club is targeting key late-season fixtures for his comeback, including decisive LaLiga matches and potentially a return for a high-profile clash against Real Madrid. However, the medical staff is taking a cautious approach, especially given his history of muscle setbacks this season.

During his absence, Barcelona have had to rotate their attacking options and adjust tactically, highlighting how important he has become to the team’s structure and intensity in the final third.

Raphinha’s performance for Barcelona this season

Raphinha has been one of Barcelona’s most productive players this season, recording 19 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions. Before his injury, the Brazilian winger was enjoying one of the best campaigns of his career.

He delivered standout performances in the Champions League, including a two-goal display against Newcastle in the Round of 16, and consistently contributed in LaLiga with goals and assists in key moments.

Beyond raw numbers, he has been crucial tactically:

• High pressing intensity in the final third
• Ability to stretch defenses from the wing
• Consistent chance creation and direct attacking play

Barça’s results also reflect his importance. Reports indicate the team wins a significantly higher percentage of matches when he is on the field compared to when he is absent. His performances have made him a key attacking leader.

In a post-match report submitted by referee Iosu Galech Apezteguia, El Hilali claimed that Mir had made racial comments towards him. According to Apezteguia, the remarks reportedly involved Mir saying, “You came in a ‘patera’,” a derogatory reference aimed at Arabic individuals arriving in Spain via unauthorized means.

Although the referee noted he did not hear the exchange himself, El Hilali’s insistence led Apezteguia to activate the anti-racism protocol, resulting in a three-minute interruption to the match. This stoppage time was subsequently added to the end of the second half.

This incident comes on the heels of a similar controversy involving Vinicius Jr. and Gianluca Prestianni. That situation concluded with disciplinary action against the Argentine player from UEFA and sparked widespread discourse on racism in soccer.

Potential consequences for Rafa Mir

If the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) substantiates the allegations against Mir and evidence surfaces supporting El Hilali’s case, the Elche forward could face severe repercussions under LaLiga’s regulations on discriminatory conduct.

• Disciplinary Ban: Mir could receive a suspension ranging from 4 to 12 matches.
• Club Sanction: Though Elche CF has yet to issue a formal statement, Mir’s disciplinary history at Valencia (2024) may prompt the club to impose an internal fine or temporary suspension.

Legal ramifications loom for Mir

In light of the incident involving Vinicius Jr. in 2023, where Atletico Madrid ultras targeted the Brazilian with racist remarks, the RFEF enacted the “Vinicius Law.” This framework could apply to cases like Mir’s.

The enhanced “Vinicius Law” allows for criminal charges and fines for hate speech in sports within Spanish legal courts. If El Hilali choose to file charges, Mir may face legal proceedings stemming from Sunday’s confrontation.

La Liga rings in 2026 with a must-see edition of the Catalan Derby as league leaders Barcelona square off with city rivals Espanyol. The Blaugrana sit atop the table with 46 points, holding a four-point edge over Real Madrid and aiming to keep the pressure on in the title race.

Espanyol may enter as underdogs, but a strong first half of the season has them hovering near the Champions League places, giving them plenty of belief heading into one of Spain’s fiercest rivalries.

When will the Espanyol vs Barcelona match be played?

Espanyol clash with Barcelona on Saturday, January 3, for the Matchday 18 of the 2025-2026 La Liga. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM (ET).

Espanyol vs Barcelona: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:00 PM
CT: 2:00 PM
MT: 1:00 PM
PT: 12:00 PM

How to watch Espanyol vs Barcelona in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025/2026 La Liga clash between Espanyol and Barcelona in the USA. Watch the match on ESPN+.

[Watch Real Madrid vs Espanyol online in the US on Fubo]

Real Madrid have opened the 2025/26 La Liga campaign in dominant fashion, rattling off four straight wins to sit alone at the top of the table, but Barcelona is close behind and pushing to keep pace. That adds extra weight to the upcoming clash with Espanyol.

The Catalans are also flying high with 10 points in their first four matches and eyeing a chance to stay in the hunt for leadership. For Espanyol, pulling off a win against the reigning giants would not only be a statement but also a crucial step in their bid to keep the early-season momentum alive.

When will the Real Madrid vs Espanyol match be played?

Real Madrid will receive Espanyol on Saturday, September 20, for the Matchday 5 of the 2025-2026 La Liga. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 10:15 AM (ET).

Real Madrid vs Espanyol: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:15 AM
CT: 9:15 AM
MT: 8:15 AM
PT: 7:15 AM

How to watch Real Madrid vs Espanyol in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025/2026 La Liga clash between Real Madrid and Espanyol in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, DirecTV Stream.

[Watch Espanyol vs Barcelona online in the US on Fubo]

Barcelona are riding high after a crucial Matchday 35 victory over Real Madrid, a win that not only delivered bragging rights in El Clasico but also pushed them within touching distance of the La Liga title by opening up a seven-point lead with just three matches to go.

Next up for Yamal and company is the derby against Espanyol, who are fighting to stay out of the relegation zone. Five points clear of Leganes, the last in the drop zone, Espanyol need points and are determined to avoid letting their rivals celebrate a potential title-clinching at their home.

When will the Espanyol vs Barcelona match be played?

Espanyol play against Barcelona on Thursday, May 15, for the Matchday 36 of the 2024-2025 La Liga. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 PM (ET).

Espanyol vs Barcelona: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:30 PM

CT: 2:30 PM

MT: 1:30 PM

PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch Espanyol vs Barcelona in the USA

Don’t miss the exciting 2024/2025 La Liga clash between Espanyol and Barcelona in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo with a free trial. Other options: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, DirecTV Stream.

Barcelona have displayed consistency and dominance throughout the campaign, solidifying their position at the top of the standings. However, Espanyol will not make it easy for their city rivals and will aim to play the spoiler in this high-stakes encounter. With pressure mounting, every outcome in this match could significantly alter the title picture.

As Real Madrid closely monitor the result, the outcome will directly affect their hopes of staging a dramatic late comeback. Below is a breakdown of what’s at stake depending on the final result.

What happens if Barcelona beat Espanyol?

A victory over Espanyol would mathematically seal the LaLiga title for Barcelona. With three points, the Blaugrana would reach 85 points, creating a seven-point lead over Real Madrid. Since only two matches would remain, Los Blancos could earn a maximum of six more points—falling short of overtaking Hansi Flick’s side. In this scenario, Barcelona would celebrate another domestic triumph with two games to spare.

What happens if Barcelona and Espanyol tie?

Should the match end in a draw, the title would remain undecided. However, Barcelona would maintain a five-point cushion over their archrivals. While not definitive, a tie would keep the destiny of the title in Barcelona’s hands. The Catalans would only need a few more points in the final two rounds to clinch the championship.

What happens if Barcelona lose to Espanyol?

A loss to Espanyol would reopen the title race. Barcelona would stay at 82 points, while Real Madrid could cut the deficit to just four points. With two matchdays remaining, Madrid would remain within striking distance.

This Barcelona–Espanyol derby promises to be more than a battle for city bragging rights. It could be the night when the Blaugrana are crowned champions—or the moment when the title race is reignited. Will Barcelona close the deal, or will Espanyol and Madrid extend the suspense?