Weakened home attack faces in-form opponents: Espanyol vs Levante prediction
The opening round clash of the Spanish championship between Espanyol and Levante is set for August 16, 2026. Last season, both teams hovered dangerously close to the relegation zone: the Catalans eventually finished 11th, while the Valencians ended up 16th. As a result, this new campaign begins with a crucial head-to-head test for both sides.
- Also read: La Liga newcomer ready to challenge the bronze medalist: Racing Santander vs Villarreal prediction
Espanyol: last season's problems still linger
Last year's campaign was a rollercoaster for Espanyol. After a strong first half, the team endured an 18-match winless run and only managed to finish 11th thanks to the tightly packed table - just four points clear of relegation.
This summer, Manolo González has stuck with his trademark counterattacking style, but the attacking lineup is in trouble. Javi Puado remains sidelined with injury, Enrique García is also out, and Carlos Romero has returned to Villarreal. Meanwhile, the defensive woes continue: the Catalans conceded nine goals in their last four friendlies.
Levante: Castro's side carries spring momentum
Since Luis Castro took over in December, Levante have been on the rise, collecting 32 points from 22 matches to steer clear of relegation. The end of the season was particularly impressive, with three wins in the final four rounds.
Preseason has also been productive: four wins in six matches, and even the 0-1 defeat to Villarreal was a tightly contested affair. However, the attack has suffered losses: last season's top scorer Carlos Espi has departed, while Roger Brugué will miss the opener due to suspension.
Match facts and head-to-head history
- Both teams have scored in five of the last six encounters.
- Levante have avoided defeat against Espanyol in four of their previous six meetings.
- Levante have managed just one win and suffered six defeats in their last nine official away matches.
Both sides have weaknesses: Espanyol vs Levante prediction
Espanyol kick off the new season with serious defensive questions and a limited selection up front. However, home advantage and Levante's poor away record mean the Valencians can't be considered clear favorites.
Castro's side looks more cohesive based on recent months, but the loss of Espi and Brugué's suspension blunt their attacking power. In what promises to be a closely contested match, a draw with both teams finding the net seems the logical outcome.
