Espanyol will host Real Madrid in a La Liga match Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The match will air on ABC, which you can stream for free.

Where to watch Espanyol vs. Real Madrid for free

Tonight’s matchup: Espanyol vs. Real Madrid

When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 3:30 p.m. ET

TV Channel: ABC

Stream: DIRECTV (free trial), FuboTV (free trial), ESPN

FuboTV (free trial) and DIRECTV (free trial) both offer ABC for virtually the same price. Fubo’s “Pro” package costs $88.99, while DIRECTV’s “Entertainment” package is $89.99. Both options offer a free trial and money off the first month of subscription. Your free trial will start once you create an account.

ESPN, or ESPN Unlimited will give you access to all things ESPN, along with other channels such as ABC and NFL Network. ESPN Unlimited will have every La Liga game this season. You can pay $299.99 a year for a membership or $29.99 a month ($359.88 per year).

Why Espanyol vs. Real Madrid matters

Real Madrid begins its 2026-27 La Liga campaign on Saturday when it visits Espanyol at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona. Espanyol enters the match with momentum after opening the season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Levante.

The challenge gets much tougher against a Real Madrid side expected to contend for the league title once again. Los Blancos did not play in the opening round, giving many players extra recovery time after international duties, and they arrive with several high-profile additions to the squad.

History favors Madrid in this matchup. Real Madrid won both meetings between the clubs last season, including a 2-0 victory at RCDE Stadium in May.

Espanyol will look to use its home support and the confidence gained from a strong opening weekend to challenge one of Spain’s giants. For Real Madrid, the focus will be on making an early statement and starting its league campaign with three points.

Players to watch

Espanyol: Javi Fernández Jaén starred in Espanyol’s season-opening win over Levante, scoring twice in the 3-0 result. After a fast start to the campaign, he’ll be counted on to provide the attacking spark against Madrid’s talented defense.

Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappé remains the centerpiece of Madrid’s attack and arguably the most dangerous forward in soccer. Even in a squad loaded with talent, his ability to create chances and finish in big moments makes him the player Espanyol must keep track of every time he touches the ball.