Espanyol will be looking to finally end their winless run in 2026 when they host Levante in what is shaping up to be a crucial La Liga clash at both ends of the table.
The Catalan side once looked like genuine top four contenders earlier in the season, but their form has collapsed in recent months.
They have not won a league match since their 2–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao in December, a run that has seen them slide down to 12th place.
Now just six points off European qualification and only a few points above the relegation zone, pressure is mounting on Manolo González and his squad after a 1–0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano extended their poor run to four losses in five games.
Levante, meanwhile, arrive with slightly better momentum after picking up important wins in recent weeks, including victories over Sevilla and Getafe, lifting them into a stronger position in the relegation battle.
Despite sitting in 19th place, they are only a few points from safety, making this fixture vital for survival hopes.
Levante have also boosted anticipation ahead of the game by posting images of their training sessions on their official X handle, showing the squad preparing intensively for the trip, with focus and intensity clearly high as they look to carry their recent form into this crucial encounter.
Team News
Espanyol remain without long-term absentee Javi Puado, while Fernando Calero faces a late fitness test. The return of Urko González from suspension is a major boost, and he is expected to slot straight back into midfield. Kike García, their top scorer with eight goals, will lead the attack.
Levante will be missing Roger Brugué, Unai Elgezabal, Kareem Tunde, and Iván Romero, all ruled out due to injury or suspension. Carlos Espí, who has been in excellent form with eight goals this season, is expected to start up front.
Possible Lineups
Espanyol: Dmitrović; El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, Romero; González, Terrats; Ngonge, Expósito, Dolan; Kike García
Levante: Ryan; Toljan, Moreno, De la Fuente, Sánchez; V. García, Olasagasti, Raghouber, Martínez, Álvarez; Espí
Where to watch
| Country | Broadcast/Streaming |
| Spain | Movistar LaLiga |
| UK | LaLigaTV |
| USA | ESPN+ |
| Nigeria | SuperSport / LaLiga TV partners |
| Global | LaLiga official streaming platforms |
Barcelona are said to have extended their La Liga lead after a comfortable win over Espanyol, further increasing pressure on the Catalan side as their season continues to slip away from early top-four ambitions.
(Photo Credit: Deportivo Alavés via X)
Alavés also boosted their survival hopes after coming from behind to beat Espanyol 2–1, a result that highlighted the growing fragility in Espanyol’s performances and their struggle to hold onto leads or control matches in key moments.
Softfootball believes both teams enter this clash under pressure, with survival and momentum now taking priority over style as the season approaches its decisive stage.
