Espanyol vs Levante Preview (00:00, August 17) – Round 1 of La Liga 2026/27: Home Advantage

Espanyol vs Levante Preview (00:00 on August 17). Predictions, expected lineups, expert analysis for the La Liga 2026/27 Round 1 match between Espanyol and Levante.

Espanyol vs Levante Preview

The 2026/27 La Liga season for Espanyol and Levante will kick off with a clash at the RCDE Stadium. Both teams endured a challenging 2025/26 campaign, fighting hard to secure their top-flight status. Therefore, this opening match presents a crucial opportunity for both sides to gather early points and build positive momentum.

Home side Espanyol experienced a strong first half of last season, competing for a European spot. However, a decline in the second half saw them finish in 11th place. Coach Manolo Gonzalez's team prepared for the new season with mixed results, drawing three consecutive matches against Sabadell, Burnley, and Middlesbrough before losing 3-1 to Coventry City. Despite attacking setbacks, the home advantage at RCDE Stadium gives the Catalan side a slight edge.

On the other side, Levante barely secured 16th place last season, finishing level on 42 points with relegated Mallorca (ahead only on tiebreakers). Under coach Luis Castro, the team had a busy summer tour with three wins in six matches, the latest being a 3-1 victory over Castellon. Although they lost key striker Carlos Espi to Real Madrid, Levante remains a tough opponent thanks to their aggressive pressing style and quick transitions.

Team News: Espanyol vs Levante

Espanyol: The home side suffers heavy losses up front, with strikers Javi Puado and Kike Garcia both sidelined due to injuries. Coach Manolo Gonzalez is likely to deploy Roberto Fernandez as the lone striker, while new signing Alex Calatrava will take on the attacking midfielder role.

Levante: The visitors will be without Roger Brugue due to suspension. However, key players like Ivan Romero and Carlos Alvarez are ready to play. The defense is expected to feature a debut for experienced new signing Aissa Mandi.

Expected Lineups: Espanyol vs Levante

Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Nunez, Cabrera, Hinojo; Zarate, Exposito; Dolan, Calatrava, Hernandez; Fernandez.

Levante (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Perez, Mandi, De la Fuente, Sanchez; V Garcia, Olasagasti, Rey, Alvarez, Cortes; Romero.

Espanyol's Recent Form

08/08/26: Coventry 3-1 Espanyol (Friendly)

01/08/26: Middlesbrough 3-3 Espanyol (Friendly)

30/07/26: Burnley 2-2 Espanyol (Friendly)

25/07/26: Espanyol 1-1 Sabadell (Friendly)

22/07/26: Espanyol 4-0 Pau FC (Friendly)

Levante's Recent Form

09/08/26: Castellon 1-3 Levante (Friendly)

05/08/26: Villarreal 1-0 Levante (Friendly)

01/08/26: Levante 2-1 Albacete (Friendly)

26/07/26: Levante 1-0 Al Qadsiah (Friendly)

17/07/26: Levante 1-2 Sheffield Utd (Friendly)

Head-to-Head: Espanyol vs Levante

28/04/26: Espanyol 0-0 Levante (La Liga)

11/01/26: Levante 1-1 Espanyol (La Liga)

05/02/24: Espanyol 2-1 Levante (Segunda Division)

09/09/23: Levante 1-4 Espanyol (Segunda Division)

12/03/22: Levante 1-1 Espanyol (La Liga)

Prediction: Espanyol vs Levante

Historical statistics show that in 44 previous meetings, Levante has only won 10 times against Espanyol. Notably, both encounters between the two sides in last season's La Liga ended in draws.

In this opener, the absence of key scorers like Puado and Kike Garcia may significantly reduce Espanyol's attacking threat. However, home advantage and superior composure in crucial moments are expected to help Espanyol control the game and secure a narrow victory.

Score Prediction: Espanyol 2-1 Levante