September 15, 2025
As the lights illuminate the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat, Espanyol host rivals Mallorca in a fiery La Liga Matchday 4 showdown on September 15, 2025. Kick-off at 21:00 CEST sees the Periquitos hunting their second win of the La Liga 2025-26 season, while the visitors aim to extend their unbeaten run. This Espanyol vs Mallorca preview promises intensity in this Catalan derby—a battle for regional pride in La Liga football.
Recent Form: Espanyol's Revival vs Mallorca's Resilience
Espanyol's promotion back to the top flight has sparked cautious optimism. They started with a 1-0 upset victory over Villarreal, but stumbled in a 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid before grinding out a 0-0 draw at Getafe. With four points from three games, they sit 12th in La Liga, scoring three and conceding three. The Periquitos are unbeaten in their last four home games across competitions, showing defensive grit under Manolo González.
Mallorca, ever the spoilers, have been solid without spectacular. A 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad opened their account, followed by a 2-0 home win over Las Palmas and a goalless stalemate against Valencia. Undefeated with seven points, the Bermellones occupy 5th place in La Liga, boasting the joint-best defensive record (two goals conceded). They've kept clean sheets in three of their last five La Liga matches, embodying Javier Aguirre's pragmatic style.
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espanyol | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Mallorca | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 7 |
Current La Liga standings (as of September 15, 2025)
Head-to-Head: A Balanced Rivalry with Low Scores
These island-mainland foes have tangled 36 times, with Espanyol edging it: 14 wins to Mallorca's 12, and 10 draws. Recent meetings tilt towards caution—the last five H2H ended under 2.5 goals, including three draws. The most recent, a 1-0 Mallorca win in La Liga 2 last season, adds spice. In La Liga, Espanyol have won three of the last five home games against Mallorca, but the visitors are unbeaten in their last three visits to the RCDE (two draws, one win). Expect a tactical chess match in this La Liga rivalry.
Team News: Boosts and Banter
Espanyol
González welcomes back Javi Puado from suspension, partnering him with new signing Martin Braithwaite up front. Midfielder Óscar Gil is doubtful with an ankle tweak, so Edu Expósito could start alongside Pol Lozano. No fresh injuries, with goalkeeper Joan García in fine form after his clean sheet at Getafe. A 4-2-3-1 formation to exploit home advantage is on the cards.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): García; Óscar, Cabrera, Pacheco, Brian Oliván; Lozano, Expósito; Darder, Gragera, Puado; Braithwaite.
Mallorca
Aguirre's squad is near full strength, with Vedat Muriqi fit to lead the line after international duty. Antonio Raillo