January 11, 2025. 7:30 p.m. Barcelona. “RCDE Stadium”.
La Liga 2024-25. 19th day
Espanyol (Barcelone) – Leganes
Suspensions : Jorge Saenz, Oscar Rodriguez (both – Leganes)
Injured: Pablo Ramon, Jose Gragera – Enrique Franquesa
Doubtful: Carlos Romero – Renato Tapia, Dani Raba
In danger of suspension: Carlos Romero – Renato Tapia
Espanyol
The Catalans ended 2024 with a disappointing run of five matches without a win, four of which they failed to score. Nevertheless, Manolo Gonzalez remains at the head of the team. However, if the ‘Parrots’ fail to secure at least four points from their next two home matches against Leganes and Valladolid, his position could be under threat. These encounters represent excellent opportunities to improve their ranking and collect much needed points, which they must seize.
-This winless streak began with a 0:2 loss to Barbastro, eliminating them from the Copa del Rey. Espanyol suffered two away defeats in La Liga, losing 0:1 to Getafe and Las Palmas. At home, they were held to a 0-0 draw by Osasuna before drawing 1-1 against Valencia, who are also struggling in the relegation zone. Currently, the “Parrots” are only one point away from the precious 17th place, so motivation should not be a problem.
Leganes
The team led by Borja Jimenez achieved a huge feat at the end of last year, unexpectedly beating Barcelona 1:0 away. It was a historic achievement for the modest club from around Madrid, as it was their first victory against the “Blaugrana” on their home field. However, this victory remains their only triumph in their last five La Liga matches. Before that, the “Pepineros” suffered two defeats at home, with a score of 0:3 against Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, and they drew 1:1 away against Alaves. On the last day, they lost at home to Villarreal, losing 2:5.
Heading into the final day of the first half of the season, Leganes sit 15th in the La Liga table, three points above their next opponents. However, it is worth noting the cup successes of Borja Jimenez’s side, who barely triumphed over weak fourth division side Estepona in the penalty shootout in December. In their first match of the new calendar year, they secured a 2:1 away victory against Cartagena of La Liga 2, with Munir and Dani Raba scoring the decisive goals. Next week, Leganes will face La Liga 2 leaders Almeria in the round of 16. It will be a tough match, but the ‘Pepineros’ have a solid chance of progressing to the quarter-finals. However, an equally important match in the championship awaits them.
Espanyol – Leganes: Planned Alignments
Espanyol will be without injured central defender Pablo Ramon, who recently signed with them after joining Castilla for free, and midfielder Jose Gragera. Additionally, Carlos Romero’s participation in the match is currently uncertain. For Leganes, the visitors are without regular right-back Enrique Franquesa, while Jorge Saenz and Oscar Rodriguez will miss the crucial match through suspension. There are also doubts over the form of Renato Tapia and Dani Raba.
Espanyol – Leganes: Author’s prediction
Leganes have won three of their last five meetings at the RCDE Stadium with a score of 1:0. Given Espanyol’s struggles in front of goal, it’s entirely possible that the ‘Pepineros’ keep a clean sheet this time; however, this is primarily based on statistics. Moreover, in the matches preceding and following the victories, the “Whites” generally lost on the “Parrots” field. It’s time for the Catalans to claim victory in this duel, and they are certainly capable of doing so. However, I may be projecting my desires as reality.
