Kylian Mbappé Returns to Espanyol Seeking His First Goal at RCDE Stadium

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé enters the upcoming La Liga fixture at the RCDE Stadium facing a specific historical challenge: securing his first-ever league goal against Espanyol on their home turf while chasing an elite club milestone, according to reports from Spanish sports daily MARCA.

For global sports fans following Spanish football, the fixture carries layered significance. Over his first two seasons in La Liga, Mbappé has established himself as a dominant offensive force for Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, netting 31 goals in his debut campaign followed by 25 goals the next year to claim successive scoring titles. Yet, the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà-de-Llobregat remains one of six top-flight away venues where the French superstar has yet to find the back of the net in league play, alongside stadiums belonging to Las Palmas, Elche and Rayo Vallecano, as detailed by MARCA coverage.

Chasing Historic Opening-Goal Company

Beyond breaking his personal scoring drought in Catalonia, Mbappé has the opportunity to join an exclusive group in Real Madrid history. According to historical records highlighted by MARCA, only eight players have opened the club’s league scoring account in two consecutive seasons. The legendary Eugenio achieved the feat in 1933 and 1934, paving the way for later greats such as Pahíño, Paul Breitner, Míchel, Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, and most recently Rodrygo.

Rodrygo secured the club’s opening league goal in both 2023 and 2024. While the Brazilian attacker missed a chance to extend that streak to three consecutive campaigns due to a severe knee injury sustained in March—which opened the door for Mbappé to score a penalty against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu to start the previous term—the French striker now stands on the threshold of matching that multi-year opening sequence if he strikes first against Espanyol.

The Precedent of Cornellà-de-Llobregat

Mbappé’s history at the RCDE Stadium is brief but eventful. In his lone appearance at the venue during his debut La Liga season, Real Madrid suffered a late defeat when defender Carlos Romero scored with five minutes remaining to seal a victory for the hosts, according to match reports. That encounter also produced significant controversy. Around the hour mark, Romero caught Mbappé with a heavy challenge that referee Muñiz Ruiz penalized with a yellow card, a decision that drew fierce criticism from Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.

“That foul was inexplicable, both because of the referee’s decision and the VAR’s, because everyone saw what happened,” Ancelotti stated after the match, as reported by MARCA. “I think the most important thing is to protect the player. It was a clear foul, a very ugly tackle with evident risk.”

Romero defended the challenge post-match by noting, “I knew it was impossible to stop him in full flight and I tried to slow him down as best I could. It was a bit of an ugly tackle and I apologized to him.” Meanwhile, Espanyol coach Manolo González countered during post-match media sessions by arguing, “If you watch the replay, I don’t think Romero makes contact with Mbappé.”

Medical Context and Fixture Dynamics

The fixture also arrives after a demanding physical stretch for the French international. Late in a previous May visit to Cornellà-de-Llobregat—which ended in a 2-0 victory for Los Blancos—club medical services confirmed that Mbappé had suffered a left semitendinosus muscle injury following frantic travel arrangements that saw him arrive straight from Cagliari just minutes before kickoff, as documented by MARCA.

With those administrative and fitness hurdles behind him, the forward returns to Cornellà-de-Llobregat leading the line for an ambitious Real Madrid side.

Supporters can follow upcoming club announcements and official matchday lineups through La Liga’s official portal or Real Madrid’s communication channels ahead of kickoff.