Espanyol vs Elche prediction, odds and how to watch

Real Madrid took all three points at RCDE Stadium with a late substitute's goal, but the match statistics painted a picture of a side carrying significant defensive fragility and a game plan that relied heavily on resilience rather than control.

Barcelona were ruthless and organised in equal measure at Elche, scoring five without reply in a performance that exposed deep structural problems in the home side's defensive shape. The scoreline was severe, but the pattern of play made it entirely predictable.

Espanyol welcome Elche to RCDE Stadium on Sunday with both clubs carrying questions about defensive structure and consistency. The tactical shape of this match could matter more than the names on the teamsheet.

Rayo Vallecano have kept back-to-back clean sheets at Vallecas this season, but Espanyol travel to Madrid carrying a positive away xG record and a point to make. The numbers tell one story. The structure tells another.

Elche sit 18th in La Liga having conceded six goals in two games, and Real Madrid travel to the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero carrying genuine momentum and a xG output that dwarfs their hosts. This one has a pattern to it before a ball is kicked.

Osasuna host Espanyol on Sunday carrying the weight of five consecutive defeats, while their visitors arrive with a recent upturn in overall form that their wretched away record threatens to undermine completely.

Athletic Club carry a troubling five-game winless run into this La Liga fixture against an Elche side that has shown more resilience on the road than their early-season standing suggests. The structural questions surrounding both teams make this a genuinely interesting tactical puzzle.

Barcelona have accused Spanish police of using 'disproportionate' force against fans and confiscating Estelada flags outside the Martinez Valero before their 5-0 win at Elche. Police and the regional government have yet to respond.