Photo by M Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images

Is Kylian Mbappe Playing Tonight?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Pragjyoti Singh | Last updated Aug 22, 2026 11:48 AM ET

Jose Mourinho’s second stint as Real Madrid manager officially begins today as they take on Espanyol in their opening La Liga fixture.

Los Blancos face an Espanyol side that finished 11th last season and have already secured three points in their opening league fixture.

Manolo Gonzalez’s side beat Levante 3-0 in a positive start to their campaign as they look to improve on last season’s finish.

Madrid, meanwhile, will be desperate to end their two-year title drought, with a host of new signings under Mourinho highlighting their intent to challenge for the championship this season.

The two-time Champions League-winning manager has bolstered the squad significantly, with the record signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig headlining the arrivals, along with Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries and others.

Yan Diomande during a match between RB Leipzig and St. Pauli.Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Historically, Madrid have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning 119 times compared to Espanyol’s 46 victories. Los Blancos also won both meetings last season.

Is Kylian Mbappe Playing Tonight?

Mourinho will be without Endrick and Aurelien Tchouameni tonight, while Jude Bellingham is expected to start on the bench.

Although Diomande might not feature in the starting lineup, Kylian Mbappe is expected to lead the attack. The French forward is coming off a successful individual performance at the World Cup and will be one of, if not the biggest, players in the squad as Madrid look to win major titles this season.

Kylian Mbappe during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club.Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Ahead of the fixture, Mourinho discussed the dynamics involving Mbappe, Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham, admitting that fitting all three players into the team could be a difficult task.

“They are incredible players and incredible players want to play with incredible players. Top players have frustration when they play with teammates who are not top.

“The best want to play with the best. After the tactical adjustments, it might be a little bit more difficult,” he said.