First chance of the game, Achraf Hakimi finds Gareth Bale but his header is straight at Espanyol keeper Diego Lopez.

Real just knocking the ball round midfield. Isco finds Lucas Vazquez over the top and his cross is put out for a corner which comes to nothing.

Real defender Nacho wins a free-kick from Sergi Darder and then gets in a needless argument with the Espanyol player.

The ref has a word but takes no further action.

We are under way in Barcelona.

Image source, Getty Images

Espanyol have not won in seven games now, drawing the last four, and have dropped to 15th in La Liga (although still nine points above the relegation zone.

Manager Quique Sanchez Flores - who turned down the Stoke job last month - said: "We knew how to beat Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. We did it and I think we are capable of trying again.

"Those of us who work every day know that we must continue on that path to change. We are aware of how important our rival is, as well as the difficulty, but we work daily to make that happen.

"The lack of results is what drives them [Madrid] emotionally. They are now having good results and found their tools. If you train, if you persist, the potential of your team reappears."

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Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane: "I'm not going to look at the league table. They’re a team that have looked very good this year, but we know who we’re up against and we know we’re going to have to put in a good performance to beat Espanyol.

"In the end we know what football is like and we want to keep our good run going, playing good football.

"For me there are no small games and there are situations in which you have to use one idea and another idea in another game. Everyone wants to play against PSG more than against other teams in the league, that goes without saying but if we think that way we’re wrong.

"The important thing is to feel that you have an important role in the team and if you play in 30 matches you have taken part in winning the league. Morata participated very well and did very well. That’s what every player must be thinking."

Gareth Bale has won three Champions League and La Liga in his five years in Spain - but the Spanish media say Real are looking to sell the Wales international, who has had plenty of injuries.

We want to know do you think his time in Spain has been a failure or a success?

Let us know using #bbcfootball on Twitter or by texting 81111 (UK only).

Gareth Bale equals David Beckham's record tonight as the British player with the most La Liga appearances (116).

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Real Madrid make five changes from the 4-0 win over Alaves, but Gareth Bale keeps his place. Sergio Ramos is back from suspension, while Marco Asensio, Isco, Marcos Llorente and Achraf Hakimi also come in. Casemiro pulled out of the squad this morning with a stomach problem.

Karim Benzema, Dani Carvajal and Theo Hernandez drop to the bench.

Espanyol make four changes from their 0-0 draw with Deportivo at the weekend. Sergio Garcia, Marc Navarro and Victor Sanchez come in.

Goalkeeper Diego Lopez - the man who Jose Mourinho picked above Iker Casillas in goal for a whole - starts against his old club. Premier League fans might recognise former Aston Villa midfielder Carlos Sanchez in their team.

Image source, .

Image source, .

Image source, EPA

"Cristiano knows himself very well and we always talk to him. It’s very important to always have Cristiano at the top level. He knows that from time to time he has to rest and that’s it.

"The season is very long and he’s also a player who will play in the World Cup at the end of the season."

For the second away game in a row, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane hasn't named Cristiano Ronaldo in his matchday squad.

Welcome to live coverage of Espanyol v Real Madrid.