As the sun rises on Sunday, May 11, 2025, the Estadio Municipal Butarque is set to host a crucial showdown in La Liga as CD Leganés takes on RCD Espanyol. This match, part of matchday 35 of the season, carries significant weight for the home team, who are fighting for survival in the top flight of Spanish football.
Leganés, currently occupying the 19th position, finds itself in a dire situation, sitting four points adrift of safety with just four matches left to play. A victory today is essential if they hope to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive. The stakes couldn't be higher; a loss or draw would mean they could fall seven points behind safety if Deportivo Alavés secures a win against Athletic Club in their own match.
In their previous outing, Leganés managed to scrape a 2-2 draw against Sevilla, a result that felt bittersweet. Despite the draw, they remain winless in their last eight league matches, having accumulated only four points during this stretch, which has seen them slide deeper into the relegation zone. Coach Borja Jiménez knows that every point is precious at this stage, and the pressure is mounting as the team seeks to reverse its fortunes.
On the other hand, Espanyol arrives at Butarque with a much more relaxed demeanor. Currently sitting in 14th place with 39 points, the team is on the brink of mathematical safety. A win today would ensure their place in La Liga for next season, distancing them ten points from the relegation zone. Coach Manolo González has worked wonders since the winter transfer window, where strategic signings bolstered the squad, leading to a remarkable turnaround in form.
Roberto, who has netted six goals this season, has been instrumental in the attack, providing much-needed support alongside Puado. The addition of Urko has strengthened the midfield, giving Espanyol a solid defensive backbone that was previously lacking. However, they come into this match on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Real Betis, a result that halted their momentum and left them eager to bounce back.
Historically, the matches between these two teams have been tightly contested. In their last encounter earlier this year, the teams played to a 1-1 draw, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry. The previous three meetings saw Leganés and Espanyol trade wins, making this clash particularly intriguing.
As for the lineup, Leganés is expected to field Dmitrovic in goal, with a defense comprising Altimira, Jorge Saénz, Sergio González, and Rosier. The midfield will feature Juan Cruz, Neyoy, Cissé, and Tapia, with Munir and Raba leading the attack. Meanwhile, Espanyol will likely start with Joan García in goal, supported by Tejero, Kumbulla, Cabrera, and Carlos Romero in defense. The midfield trio of Edu Expósito, Urko González, and Pol Lozano will look to control the game, while Jofre, Puado, and Roberto aim to find the back of the net.
The match will be officiated by Javier Alberola Rojas, a seasoned referee in his eighth season in La Liga, who has a balanced record when officiating matches involving both teams. His experience will be crucial in maintaining order during what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
With the clock ticking down, Leganés knows that this match is more than just three points; it's a lifeline. The fans will be out in full force, hoping to inspire their team to a much-needed victory. The atmosphere at Butarque is expected to be electric, with supporters aware of the importance of every moment on the pitch.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the question remains: can Leganés defy the odds and secure a crucial victory to keep their survival hopes alive, or will Espanyol seal their safety and continue their push away from the relegation battle? With everything on the line, this match is set to be a thrilling encounter in the heart of La Liga.
