Real Madrid face the first of two title-defining trips to Catalonia tonight when they take on Espanyol.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s men visit the RCDE Stadium before returning next week for the season’s second El Clasico against Barcelona at Camp Nou.

The Liga title remains a long shot for Madrid as they face up to a trophyless season ahead of what promises to be a summer of change in the capital.

Arbeloa will depart with Jose Mourinho widely tipped to take over for a second spell.