Sunday night’s La Liga action heats up as Real Madrid travel to the RCDE Stadium for a crucial matchday 34 showdown against Espanyol. With only four games left in the season, every point matters—and for Alvaro Arbeloa’s side, anything less than a win could hand the title to Barcelona.

Currently sitting second in the league table, Real Madrid are feeling the pressure. But they’re not the only ones with something at stake. Espanyol, once flying high after a strong start to the season, have hit a brutal wall. The Parakeets are enduring a shocking 16-match winless streak—yes, you read that right: no victories in 2026 so far. That slide has dropped them to 12th place, just five points above the relegation zone.

Injuries and suspensions have hit both camps hard. Espanyol will be without Pol Lozano, who’s serving a suspension after his recent red card against Levante. Up front, they’re missing long-term absentee Javi Puado (knee injury) and facing a late fitness test for Cyril Ngonge, who picked up a knee contusion in Saturday’s final training session. Manager Manolo Gonzalez is expected to lean on veteran Kike Garcia to lead the attack, with Pere Milla providing support from the flank.

Over in the Real Madrid camp, it’s a full-blown injury crisis. Kylian Mbappe is out with a hamstring strain, captain Dani Carvajal has a fractured toe, and the defensive line is missing Eder Militao for the long haul. Rodrygo and Arda Güler are also done for the season. In midfield, Aurelien Tchouameni is a doubt with a calf issue and will be assessed before kick-off.

There’s some good news: Thibaut Courtois is back in training, but the staff are likely to start Andriy Lunin to keep the Belgian fully fit for the upcoming Clásico. Up front, Gonzalo Garcia is expected to lead the line, with Vinicius Junior and Brahim Díaz adding pace and creativity from the wings.

It’s a clash of two teams desperate for different reasons—Real Madrid chasing the title, Espanyol trying to stop the rot. With so much on the line, Sunday night promises drama, grit, and no shortage of storylines.