Espanyol vs Athletic: prediction, head-to-head stats and probable lineups — 13.05.2026
One of the matches of La Liga's 36th round will unfold on Wednesday at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà de Llobregat, where Espanyol will host Athletic. Here’s my take on a bet for goals in this clash, with the Catalans desperately searching for their first win of the new year, while the Basques are still clinging to hopes of European qualification.
Match preview
Espanyol are mired in a prolonged crisis that has evolved from a mere poor run into a real threat of relegation. The Catalans haven’t tasted victory in 18 consecutive league matches, and in their last outing against Sevilla, they squandered a late lead after the 80th minute and lost 1-2, narrowly missing a long-awaited breakthrough.
Espanyol’s problem is twofold: the defense keeps making mistakes, while the attack has fallen silent since the spring break. Over the last six rounds, the Catalans have managed to score just twice, failing to break down either Levante or Real Madrid at home. On top of that, suspensions to Calero and Dolan further limit the coaching staff’s options.
Athletic aren’t in perfect form either, but their position in the table still leaves room for a late charge toward European football. Ernesto Valverde’s side recently staged a dramatic comeback in the Basque derby against Alavés, winning 4-2 with three goals after the 70th minute, but then slipped up at home to Valencia, losing 0-1 and once again underlining their inconsistency.
The visitors’ main personnel blow is the injury to Nico Williams, who picked up a hamstring strain, and his absence significantly reduces their flank options. Defensive reliability is also in question: Athletic rarely keep clean sheets and have managed shutouts on the road in La Liga only against Elche and Levante.
Probable lineups
- Espanyol: Dmitrovic, Romero, Cabrera, Riedel, El Hilali, Exposito, Gonzalez, Milla, Terrats, Saez, Fernandez.
- Athletic: Simon, Gorosabel, Alvarez, Vivian, Berchiche, Jaureguizar, Rego, Navarro, Sancet, Williams, Guruzeta.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Espanyol haven’t won in the league since late December, when they actually beat Athletic 2-1.
- Both teams have scored in each of the last four head-to-head encounters between Espanyol and Athletic.
- Athletic have kept a clean sheet in just one of their last 25 matches in all competitions.
Espanyol have lost the second half in four of their last five meetings.
In 17 of their last 19 La Liga matches, the Parakeets have conceded at least once.
Both teams to score – yes – has landed in seven of the last nine meetings between Espanyol and Athletic.
Prediction
Espanyol are in a tough psychological spot: the team has waited far too long for a win, and each new defeat pushes them closer to the relegation zone. At home, the Catalans must play with more courage, as draws no longer guarantee survival as they once did. Athletic boast higher squad quality and still have European ambitions, but their away defense looks too vulnerable to back the Basques with confidence. Expect a nervy match, riddled with mutual mistakes and goals on both sides.
