League: LaLiga Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Scores & Results

Real Madrid prepares for La Liga opener against Espanyol with lineup doubts

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 6:55 AM

Last updated Aug 22, 2026

Real Madrid prepares for La Liga opener against Espanyol with lineup doubts

Summary

Real Madrid is set to face Espanyol in their La Liga season opener. Manager Jose Mourinho has nearly finalized his starting XI but is uncertain about one central defensive position. Expected starters include Thibaut Courtois in goal, Denzel Dumfries at right-back, and midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are anticipated to lead the attack. The final decision on the central defender, between Antonio Rudiger and Ibrahima Konate, remains pending as the team continues to manage player fitness following a complicated pre-season.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Real Madrid faces Espanyol on August 22.
•Jose Mourinho almost finalizes 10 of 11 starters.
•Denzel Dumfries expected to start at right-back.
•Uncertainty remains over the second central defender.
•Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe will lead the attack.

Latest Updates

6:55 AMYahoo Sports — Report: Real Madrid’s starting XI for La Liga opener vs Espanyol with one major doubt

What they're saying

"
Real Madrid are approaching their first La Liga match of the season, with a fixture against Espanyol to kick-start the campaign.The anticipation is palpable as Los Blancos begin their new project unde...
— Yahoo Sports

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