{"id":29311,"date":"2026-04-27T10:32:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T08:32:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=29311"},"modified":"2026-04-27T10:32:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T08:32:40","slug":"levante-and-espanyol-gear-up-for-crucial-showdown-in-relegation-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/levante-and-espanyol-gear-up-for-crucial-showdown-in-relegation-battle\/","title":{"rendered":"Levante and Espanyol Gear Up for Crucial Showdown in Relegation Battle"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Espanyol aims to break their winless streak in 2026 as they take on Levante in a pivotal La Liga matchup that impacts both the top and bottom of the standings.<\/p>\n

Earlier this season, the Catalan team appeared to be strong candidates for a top-four finish, but their performance has deteriorated significantly in recent months.<\/p>\n

Since their 2\u20131 win against Athletic Bilbao in December, they have not secured a league victory, which has dropped them to 12th place.<\/p>\n

Now only six points from a European spot and just above the relegation zone, pressure is increasing on Manolo Gonz\u00e1lez and his team, following a 1\u20130 loss to Rayo Vallecano that marked their fourth defeat in five matches.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, Levante comes into the match with a bit more momentum, having recently secured vital victories against Sevilla and Getafe, improving their position in the fight against relegation.<\/p>\n

Though currently sitting in 19th place, they are only a few points away from safety, making this match essential for their survival hopes.<\/p>\n

Levante has heightened expectations for the game by sharing photos of their training sessions on their official X handle,<\/a> showcasing an intense preparation for the upcoming match as they seek to maintain their recent positive form.<\/p>\n

\"levante
levante training. (photo credit: levante via x)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Team News<\/h2>\n

Espanyol will be without long-term injury absentee Javi Puado, while Fernando Calero is expected to undergo a late fitness test. The return of Urko Gonz\u00e1lez from suspension provides a significant boost, as he is anticipated to play in midfield. Kike Garc\u00eda, the team’s leading scorer with eight goals, will spearhead the attack.<\/p>\n

Levante will not have Roger Brugu\u00e9, Unai Elgezabal, Kareem Tunde, and Iv\u00e1n Romero available due to injuries or suspensions. Carlos Esp\u00ed, who has been in good form with eight goals this season, is likely to start in the forward position.<\/p>\n

Possible Lineups<\/h2>\n

Espanyol: Dmitrovi\u0107; El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, Romero; Gonz\u00e1lez, Terrats; Ngonge, Exp\u00f3sito, Dolan; Kike Garc\u00eda<\/p>\n

Levante: Ryan; Toljan, Moreno, De la Fuente, S\u00e1nchez; V. Garc\u00eda, Olasagasti, Raghouber, Mart\u00ednez, \u00c1lvarez; Esp\u00ed<\/p>\n

Where to watch<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Country<\/strong><\/td>\nBroadcast\/Streaming<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Spain<\/td>\nMovistar LaLiga<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
UK<\/td>\nLaLigaTV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
USA<\/td>\nESPN+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nigeria<\/td>\nSuperSport \/ LaLiga TV partners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Global<\/td>\nLaLiga official streaming platforms<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

Barcelona reportedly extended their La Liga lead following a comfortable victory against Espanyol, which further intensifies the pressure on the Catalan side as their season continues to take a downward turn from early top-four ambitions.<\/p>\n

\"RCD
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Deportivo Alav\u00e9s
\n(Photo Credit: Deportivo Alav\u00e9s via X)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alav\u00e9s also improved their survival chances after coming back to defeat Espanyol 2\u20131, a result that underscored the growing vulnerabilities in Espanyol\u2019s recent performances and their difficulty in maintaining leads or controlling matches during critical moments.<\/p>\n

Softfootball assesses that both teams face significant pressure entering this match, where the focus has shifted from style of play to survival and momentum as the season heads towards its critical juncture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n