Espanyol continue their La Liga campaign at home to relegation-threatened Levante on Monday night, still searching for their first victory of 2026. The Catalan side occupy 12th place, six points adrift of European contention, whilst Levante sit 19th, three points from safety in a congested bottom-half battle.

Match Analysis

Espanyol’s precipitous decline represents one of La Liga’s most striking collapses. A team capable of mounting a genuine top-four challenge in the first half of the campaign has now endured an alarming run of form—their last victory came against Athletic Bilbao on December 22nd. A 1-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano exemplifies recent struggles, with four losses from their last five matches dragging them dangerously close to the relegation zone. Only four points separate Espanyol from 18th place, a sobering reality for Manolo Gonzalez’s outfit.

Levante, conversely, have discovered unexpected momentum. Three victories from their last four matches—including consecutive wins against Getafe and Sevilla—have injected genuine hope into their survival bid. With 32 points from 32 games, they remain three points from safety, yet their recent trajectory suggests genuine danger to Espanyol.

The historical record favours the hosts considerably. Espanyol boast 17 wins against Levante’s 10 in their head-to-head record, and the Frogs haven’t defeated the Catalans since June 2020. Yet context matters: Levante have accumulated 12 points from 15 away matches this season, whilst Espanyol possess only the 16th-best home record in La Liga—a significant vulnerability.

Espanyol will be without Javi Puado, their long-term absentee, whilst Fernando Calero requires a late fitness test. The return of suspended midfielder Urko Gonzalez provides welcome reinforcement, with the midfielder expected to slot into the starting lineup. Kike Garcia, the team’s leading goalscorer with eight goals despite his 36 years, will continue leading the attack.

Levante face their own injury toll: Roger Brugue, Unai Elgezabal and Kareem Tunde are unavailable through fitness issues. Forward Ivan Romero serves a one-match suspension following his yellow card milestone in the Sevilla victory. Carlos Espi, an impressive talent with eight goals from 19 La Liga appearances, will operate in the final third.

Verdict

Espanyol’s persistent inability to convert chances—compounded by their fragile home record—contrasts sharply with Levante’s recent resilience and dangerous away form. Gonzalez’s side face mounting pressure with each match, whilst Castro’s visitors arrive with genuine confidence and momentum.

Levante’s attacking threat and Espanyol’s defensive vulnerability suggest a narrow escape for the visitors is likely.

Prediction: Draw