The La Liga title race effectively ended last week when Real Madrid drew Valencia, though they’re not dead yet. They’re four points behind Barcelona, meaning they need the Blaugrana to drop points in consecutive matches. They might do that against Atlético Madrid, but it’s unlikely that they do so again at the Camp Nou next week. Real Madrid are effectively playing for pride to close the season.
Espanyol vs. Real Madrid 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Los Merengues are probably out of the title race, so commence an important two-game player evaluation and sendoff series.
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Expect Keylor Navas to start this week, then for Iker Casillas to get his sendoff at the Bernabeu next week. Toni Kroos is probably going to rest in this match too, while Gareth Bale has an important opportunity to redeem himself in the eyes of the Madrid faithful.
Espanyol won’t be qualifying for Europe, but they’re in the top half, which is a fantastic accomplishment given their financial troubles. They’ll be motivated to get some points from their last two matches to stay in that spot, but they’ll have trouble doing so in this one. They lost their other league match to Real Madrid 3-0, and their road record is actually better than their home record over the last couple of months.
Espanyol injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Cristian Alfonso (knee), Manuel Lanzarote (stomach).
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Luka Modric (knee), Sergio Ramos (calf). In doubt: Sami Khedira (foot/exile), Toni Kroos (knock)
Match date/time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. local
Venue: Power8 Stadium, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada), Sky Sports 3 (U.K.), Canal+ 1 (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Sky Go (U.K.), Canal+ Yomvi and Movistar (Spain)
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