Espanyol Faces Real Madrid Without Cabrera Due to Suspension

Espanyol’s preparations for Real Madrid have been shaken by the loss of one of their defensive pillars. Leandro Cabrera, the Uruguayan centre-back and a mainstay at the back, will sit out next Saturday’s clash because of a deferred suspension carried over from last season.

The punishment stems from an incident in a match against Getafe, when Cabrera struck the VAR screen after the final whistle. The referee’s report led to a three-game ban, which has now finally come into force.

Espanyol pushed the case as far as they could. The club appealed the sanction until the last possible moment, trying to delay its application and keep their defender available for this crucial stretch of the season. The effort failed. The decision stood, and the suspension began.

The first sign that something was amiss came against Levante. Cabrera’s name appeared on the morning squad list, only for him to be withdrawn from the starting XI just minutes before kick-off, with no mention of any injury. Confusion in the stands, questions in the press box — and then the explanation: the ban had kicked in.

Espanyol coped on the night. Manolo turned to Riedel alongside Unai Núñez in central defence, and the makeshift pairing held firm. Levante rarely threatened Dmitrovic’s goal, and the Catalan side celebrated their first win of the La Liga campaign.

Now comes a very different exam. Real Madrid arrive with an attack led by Kylian Mbappé and an arsenal of options around him. Space, mistakes, hesitation — they tend to punish all of it.

That is why Cabrera’s absence bites so hard. The Uruguayan is one of the most seasoned figures in Espanyol’s back line, with a long list of battles against Spain’s elite behind him. His experience in reading big games, managing pressure, and organizing those around him is exactly what coaches crave when Los Blancos roll into town.

Riedel and Núñez answered the call once. Against Mbappé and company, they will have to grow up fast.