Espanyol vs. Real Madrid: Surging Los Blancos Will Roll Espanyol

After a rough patch that included a draw vs. Racing Santander, Real Madrid turned their season around and will not be slowed by Espanyol today.

Cristiano Ronaldo isn't going to let Real Madrid take a step backwards at the hands of Espanyol. Real Madrid isn't the middle-of-the-road team they appear to be in the La Liga standings. As the season carries on, they will find themselves near the top of the standings.

Ronaldo is world class and happens to be falling into a groove. Espanyol hasn't scored more than one goal in a La Liga match thus far. When Real Madrid dials up the pressure, Espanyol isn't going to have an answer.

Sergio Garcia is the only player on Espanyol's roster with multiple goals this season. Their back line isn't strong enough to lock down Real Madrid's attack, and they don't have the offensive firepower to answer back when Real Madrid gets going.

Espanyol knows the tough spot they are in. They may be the home team, but they are grossly outmatched in this one.

You could argue that a couple of wins shouldn't make us forget about the rough patch they are recently coming off of, but their stock is certainly on the rise.

Real Madrid is an elite La Liga team, and disposing of painfully average teams like Espanyol is just as important as showing up for huge matches like Real Madrid vs. Barcelona.

As long as Real Madrid goes into this match completely focused, they shouldn't struggle in the slightest. Espanyol would gladly take a draw here, but Real Madrid dialing up the pressure will make it impossible for Espanyol to keep up.