Key Takeaways:
- Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win at Espanyol on Sunday to keep their faint La Liga hopes alive
- The squad will face Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou next weekend, needing victory to remain in contention for the title
- Kylian Mbappe’s participation is doubtful, with further tests pending upon his return to Valdebebas within 24-48 hours
La Liga Title Hopes Hinged on El Clasico Outcome
Real Madrid maintained their slender chances of claiming the La Liga title with a 2-0 triumph over Espanyol on Sunday. However, their hopes will be extinguished next weekend should they fail to overcome Barcelona in the highly anticipated El Clasico. Under the leadership of Alvaro Arbeloa, the team sits 11 points adrift of their historic rivals with only four fixtures remaining. While the deficit appears insurmountable, Madrid remain determined not to concede the championship to Barcelona by their own hand.
🚨🗣️ Arbeloa: “Mbappé in El Clásico? We will see this week.” pic.twitter.com/ktNDCUYtDK
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 3, 2026
Adverse Recent Clasico Record and Injury Challenges
Since the outset of last season, Real Madrid have endured a poor run in El Clasico encounters, having suffered defeat in five out of six meetings, with just a single win to their name. The looming absence of Eder Militao and Arda Guler through injury compounds the squad’s challenges ahead of the critical clash at Spotify Camp Nou. There is optimism surrounding Kylian Mbappe’s return; yet, his involvement remains uncertain.
Mbappe’s Fitness in the Balance
Mbappe has been sidelined for the past ten days after being substituted against Real Betis and was unavailable during Real Madrid’s contest with Espanyol. The club are eager for him to be declared fit ahead of Sunday’s fixture, but, according to Diario AS, his availability is far from guaranteed. The French international is expected back at Valdebebas within the next 24-48 hours as he concludes a week-long holiday. On arrival, he will undergo thorough medical examinations which will determine his fitness for El Clasico.
Medical Caution and Future Considerations
Given Mbappe’s history of recurring injuries over the previous six months, both the striker and club management are resolved to avoid unnecessary risks regarding his recovery. With the summer World Cup also on his horizon, Mbappe is likely to be especially cautious about returning to play before achieving full fitness.
