| Match Details | Information |
| Competition | La Liga – (Spain) |
| Round | 22 |
| Date & Time | 2026-01-30, 21:00 – (Include timezone BST/GMT). |
| Stadium | RCDE Stadium |
Prediction – Espanyol 1 – 3 Deportivo Alavés
Recent Form
Espanyol enters this La Liga encounter with mixed momentum, having secured just one win in their last five league matches. Their recent victory over Valencia (3-2) demonstrates their ability to compete, yet losses to Girona (0-2) and FC Barcelona (0-2), alongside a draw against Levante (1-1) and a loss to Athletic Club (2-1), highlight inconsistencies in their performance. Espanyol’s struggle to maintain form at home is evident, with two consecutive home defeats without scoring, which could be a concern as they prepare to face Deportivo Alavés. In contrast, Deportivo Alavés arrives with a strong run of form, boasting four wins in their last five league fixtures. Their victories against Atlético Madrid (0-1), Villarreal (1-3), and Osasuna (0-3) away from home underscore their capability to deliver results on the road. Furthermore, a home win against Real Betis (2-1) and a draw with Real Oviedo (1-1) add to their positive momentum. Alavés has demonstrated resilience and effectiveness in both offensive and defensive phases, positioning them as formidable opponents. The recent head-to-head record shows a slight edge for Deportivo Alavés, having won the most recent encounter 2-1. However, Espanyol has previously proven competitive, with two wins in the past five meetings. This match at the RCDE Stadium will test Espanyol’s resolve to counter Alavés’ current form and capitalize on home advantage.
Espanyol Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Valencia Vs Espanyol | 2-3 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 5 | 2 – 7 | 9 – 13 | 47% – 53% | 2 – 1 |
| Espanyol Vs Girona | 0-2 | 0 – 0 | 5 – 5 | 5 – 4 | 17 – 15 | 49% – 51% | 0 – 0 |
| Levante Vs Espanyol | 1-1 | 0 – 0 | 0 – 1 | 4 – 3 | 9 – 10 | 49% – 51% | 1 – 0 |
| Espanyol Vs FC Barcelona | 0-2 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 0 | 5 – 7 | 14 – 10 | 31% – 69% | 0 – 2 |
| Athletic Club Vs Espanyol | 2-1 | 0 – 0 | 5 – 2 | 8 – 4 | 9 – 10 | 66% – 34% | 0 – 1 |
Espanyol’s recent performances in La Liga have been a mixed bag, reflecting both determination and areas needing improvement. In their last five matches, Espanyol secured a notable 3-2 victory against Valencia, showcasing their ability to capitalize on possession and corner opportunities despite a high number of yellow cards. This win demonstrated their resilience and attacking prowess, with a slightly dominant 53% possession and effective use of set-pieces, as evidenced by their seven corners. However, Espanyol’s inconsistency is apparent in their other fixtures, particularly in their home defeats against Girona and FC Barcelona. Against Girona, a 0-2 loss highlighted Espanyol’s struggle to convert possession into goals, while their defense was unable to withstand pressure, conceding despite an almost even possession. The match against Barcelona further exposed defensive vulnerabilities, with Espanyol managing only 31% possession and failing to register a goal, despite having opportunities from set-pieces. The 1-1 draw against Levante and the 1-2 loss to Athletic Club also underline Espanyol’s challenges in maintaining defensive solidity and discipline. While they showed slight control over possession against Levante, their minimal impact in front of goal, coupled with receiving yellow cards, suggests an area for tactical refinement. The absence of Javi Puado due to a cruciate ligament tear is a significant blow to Espanyol’s attacking options. Despite this, the predicted lineup featuring players like Roberto Fernández and Pere Milla indicates a continued focus on offensive strategies. Defensively, the presence of seasoned players like Fernando Calero and Omar El Hilali will be crucial in stabilizing the backline. The team’s ability to leverage their midfield, with players like Pol Lozano and Ramón Terrats, will be essential in controlling play and supporting both defense and attack. Espanyol’s approach in their upcoming match at the RCDE Stadium will likely emphasize disciplined defending and efficient counter-attacks, aiming to exploit set-piece situations while minimizing disciplinary issues to secure a positive result.
Deportivo Alavés Last 5 League Matches
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Deportivo Alavés Vs Real Betis | 2-1 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 1 | 6 – 4 | 11 – 17 | 45% – 55% | 2 – 0 |
| Atlético Madrid Vs Deportivo Alavés | 0-1 | 0 – 0 | 1 – 1 | 6 – 6 | 5 – 13 | 54% – 46% | 1 – 0 |
| Villarreal Vs Deportivo Alavés | 1-3 | 0 – 0 | 0 – 2 | 1 – 6 | 14 – 10 | 44% – 56% | 1 – 0 |
| Deportivo Alavés Vs Real Oviedo | 1-1 | 1 – 1 | 3 – 3 | 6 – 7 | 20 – 11 | 57% – 43% | 0 – 1 |
| Osasuna Vs Deportivo Alavés | 0-3 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 2 | 9 – 0 | 10 – 16 | 47% – 53% | 1 – 0 |
Deportivo Alavés has demonstrated promising form in their recent La Liga fixtures, securing three wins and two draws in their last five matches. Their resilience is evident from a notable victory against Atlético Madrid, where they managed a narrow 1-0 win despite having less possession. This result showcases their ability to capitalize on limited opportunities and maintain a solid defensive structure, a theme consistent throughout their recent performances. In their recent match against Villarreal, Alavés displayed a potent attacking prowess, winning 3-1 while enjoying a higher possession rate and a significant advantage in corners. This suggests a strategic shift towards more aggressive play, leveraging their midfield strength to control the tempo. The presence of midfielders like Carles Aleñá and Antonio Blanco has been instrumental in both defensive and offensive transitions, providing the necessary support to the attacking duo of Toni Martínez and Lucas Boyé. However, the team faces challenges with injuries to key players Antonio Sivera and Joan Jordán, which could impact their depth and flexibility, particularly in defensive and midfield roles. Despite these absences, the predicted lineup remains robust, with defenders Jon Pacheco and Nahuel Tenaglia likely anchoring the backline. This stability in defense is crucial, especially against opponents capable of exploiting any vulnerabilities. In preparation for their upcoming match at the RCDE Stadium, Alavés will likely focus on maintaining their disciplined defensive approach while capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s ability to perform under pressure, coupled with their recent success, suggests they are well-equipped to handle the challenges posed by their next opponent. By sustaining this momentum and adapting to the tactical demands of each game, Alavés aims to continue their ascent in the league standings.
Team News & Injuries
Espanyol Injuries & Suspensions
- Javi Puado (Cruciate Ligament Tear)
Deportivo Alavés Injuries & Suspensions
- Antonio Sivera (Unknown Injury)
- Joan Jordán (Unknown Injury)
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record & Summary
H2H Last 5
| Teams | Result | Red Cards | Yellow Cards | Corners | Free Kicks | Possession | Assists |
| Deportivo Alavés Vs Espanyol (02 Nov 2025) | 2-1 | 1 – 0 | 4 – 2 | 1 – 6 | 12 – 14 | 54% – 46% | 0 – 1 |
| Deportivo Alavés Vs Espanyol (22 Feb 2025) | 0-1 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 2 | 7 – 0 | 17 – 13 | 62% – 38% | 0 – 1 |
| Espanyol Vs Deportivo Alavés (14 Sep 2024) | 3-2 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 3 | 0 – 4 | 0 – 0 | 38% – 62% | 2 – 1 |
| Deportivo Alavés Vs Espanyol (11 May 2022) | 2-1 | 0 – 1 | 3 – 3 | 12 – 3 | 0 – 0 | 46% – 54% | 2 – 0 |
| Espanyol Vs Deportivo Alavés (22 Sep 2021) | 1-0 | 0 – 0 | 2 – 1 | 4 – 8 | 3 – 1 | 53% – 47% | 0 – 0 |
H2H Detailed Analysis
Espanyol and Deportivo Alavés have developed a competitive rivalry in recent years, with both teams exhibiting fluctuating dominance. Analyzing their head-to-head record reveals a balanced contest, with each team securing victories in various matches. Espanyol has shown a slight edge when playing at home, as demonstrated by their 3-2 victory against Alavés in September 2024 and a narrow 1-0 win in September 2021. These home victories highlight Espanyol’s ability to capitalize on familiar surroundings, despite Alavés often dominating possession in these encounters. Conversely, Alavés has managed to secure victories when hosting Espanyol, such as their 2-1 win in November 2025 and another 2-1 victory in May 2022, indicating their resilience and strategic prowess in front of their home crowd. The upcoming match at the RCDE Stadium may see these trends continue, influenced by current team dynamics and injuries. Espanyol will be missing Javi Puado due to a cruciate ligament tear, potentially impacting their attacking options. However, their predicted lineup suggests a strong defensive unit, which could counter Alavés’ attacking threats. Alavés faces its own challenges with the absence of Antonio Sivera and Joan Jordán, which might affect their defensive solidity and midfield control. The matchup will likely be influenced by Espanyol’s ability to maintain defensive discipline and exploit Alavés’ vulnerabilities, while Alavés will aim to leverage their possession-based approach to break down Espanyol’s defense. This encounter promises to be closely contested, with both teams striving to assert their style and capitalize on any strategic advantages.
Predicted Lineups
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Players: Manuel Iori (Goalkeeper),Fernando Calero (Defender), Ludovic Taillandier (Defender),Carlos Romero (Defender),Omar El Hilali (Defender),Urko González de Zárate (Midfielder),Pol Lozano (Midfielder),Ramón Terrats (Midfielder),Jofre Carreras (Midfielder),Roberto Fernández (Attacker),Pere Milla (Attacker)