Mbappe’s scoring streak meets Espanyol’s unbeaten run

La Liga’s early-season script has taken an unexpected twist. Few would have predicted Espanyol, a club that narrowly escaped relegation just months ago arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu with a chance to topple Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid from the top of the table. Yet that is exactly the scenario when the unbeaten Catalan side visits the Spanish capital on Saturday.

Madrid leads the standings with four wins from four, but Espanyol sits only two points adrift in third, tied with Barcelona, who host fifth-placed Getafe on Sunday at the compact Johan Cruyff Stadium.

Espanyol’s rise

The “parakeets” have been one of the surprises of the campaign. After selling goalkeeper Joan García to Barcelona in the summer, few expected them to mount a challenge. But under new ownership, with links to Burnley and American investors, the club reshaped its squad. English winger Tyrhys Dolan has brought pace, while veteran keeper Marko Dmitrovic has steadied the defense. Midfielder Pere Milla has chipped in with three goals, adding to the momentum.

Espanyol even have recent history to draw confidence from, having stunned Madrid 1-0 at home last season. A repeat, coupled with Barcelona slipping against Getafe, could see them end the weekend in first place.

Madrid’s firepower

Standing in their way is Mbappé, who has hit blistering form since his move to Spain. The French star has already scored six goals in five matches, including a Champions League brace in a 2-1 win over Marseille midweek. Coach Xabi Alonso must also decide whether to stick with Rodrygo ahead of Vinícius Júnior, who was benched against Marseille.

Madrid will, however, miss right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury.

Around the league

Barcelona’s focus will be on Marcus Rashford, who struck twice in their Champions League win at Newcastle. With teenager Lamine Yamal nursing a pubic-area injury, the on-loan Manchester United forward is likely to feature again.

Off the pitch, Barcelona continues to face delays at Camp Nou, forcing its October 1 Champions League clash with PSG to be staged at the 55,000-seat Olympic Stadium instead of their 6,000-capacity temporary home.

For now, though, all eyes are on Madrid, Espanyol and the question few dared ask in August: could the “parakeets” fly to the top of Spain?