Espanyol Seeks Revenge Against Alavés in Spanish Soccer Showdown
RCD Espanyol hosts Deportivo Alavés on Friday night at RCDE Stadium, looking to reverse recent fortunes and avoid another series loss in Spanish soccer’s top division. The fifth-place La Liga side enters the matchday 22 encounter seeking momentum after consecutive losses to Valencia and Granada derailed their midseason push.
The last meeting between these rivals told a painful story for Espanyol—Alavés prevailed 2-1 in November 2025, handing Espanyol one of their season’s toughest blows. Now, the blue-and-white squad aims to reclaim home-ice advantage and put points on the board against a struggling fifteenth-place Alavés team fighting to climb out of the relegation zone.
Team Form and Key Storylines
Espanyol brings a 10-4-7 record and 34 points to the pitch, while Alavés arrives with a 6-4-11 mark and just 22 points. The gap in the standings reflects the disparity in performances this season, though recent form has been unpredictable for the home side.
Midfielder Pere Milla remains Espanyol’s offensive engine with six goals, while striker Toni Martinez adds four more to the attacking arsenal. For Alavés, striker Carles Vicente leads the way with five goals, though the visitor’s inconsistent defense has allowed 26 goals this season.
Team News and Availability
Alavés will be without Denis Suarez due to a groin injury, a potential blow to their midfield creativity. However, defender Facundo Garces is available after his suspension was cleared, bolstering the Alavés backline ahead of the road trip to Cornellà de Llobregat.
Espanyol’s defensive improvements this season have been noticeable, with goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic recording six clean sheets through 21 matches. That resilience will be tested against an Alavés side looking for an upset to reignite their season.
What’s at Stake
A victory would push Espanyol further clear of the bottom half and provide crucial breathing room as the season approaches its midpoint. For Alavés, three points would represent a vital step toward survival in La Liga’s fierce battle for European spots and against relegation.
