Levante vs Espanyol headlines matchday 20 on January 11, 2026, as the Granotas host the Pericos at Estadio Ciutat de València. The hosts are locked in a battle for survival and will look to build on a recent morale-boosting win, while Espanyol, one of this season’s surprise packages, arrive chasing European spots and looking favourites on paper.
On form and table position, the contrast is stark: Levante sit in the relegation zone with 13 points from 17 matches, while Espanyol are pushing up the table around the top five and have been one of LaLiga’s more consistent sides this campaign.
Expect Espanyol to control possession and probe down the flanks, while Levante will look to be compact and make the most of set plays and quick transitions.
Espanyol come into this with their confidence slightly shaken after a narrow loss to Barcelona in the Catalan derby, but that setback could serve to sharpen their focus rather than dampen it.
They still have a solid core and attacking weapons capable of capitalizing on any lapse in concentration.
Levante’s recent 3–0 victory over Sevilla proved they can be a threat on home turf, though maintaining that level remains their biggest challenge.
Levante vs Espanyol Team News, Starting XI and How to watch
| Match | Levante vs Espanyol |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2025-26 La Liga – Matchday 19 |
| Date | Sunday, 11 January 2026 |
| Kick-off | 15:15 UTC / 16:15 CET / 10:15 ET / 20:45 IST |
| Venue | Estadio Ciutat de València, Valencia |
| La Liga form | Levante: LLLLDW Espanyol: WWWWWL |
This Levante vs Espanyol preview covers team updates, likely starting lineups, and key stats to give you a clear picture of the Spanish football showdown.
Team News and Analysis
Levante’s recent 3-0 victory over Sevilla provides a boost, but Luís Castro’s side remains anchored near the bottom due to poor home form.
Injuries persist: Roger Brugue, Unai Elgezabal, and Victor Garcia are sidelined, while Etta Eyong is unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations commitments (despite elimination). The Granotas’ 4-2-3-1 setup forces 10 turnovers per game but struggles for creativity (1.0 goals per home outing).
Espanyol, bouncing back from a 0-2 defeat to Barcelona, boast no major injury concerns but will miss Pol Lozano due to suspension.
Their fifth-best away record (14 points from 8 games) highlights resilience, with a 4-4-2 averaging 1.8 goals on the road under their coach. Press yields 11 turnovers, but set-piece defense could be tested.
Analysis: Levante’s desperation at home (2 points from 7) clashes with Espanyol’s road form; injuries blunt Levante—expect a cagey opener exploding second half, with visitors edging via counters.
Head-to-Head Record
Espanyol hold a slight recent edge with 3 wins from the last 6 meetings to Levante’s 2, plus 1 draw. Matches average 2.5 goals, often low-scoring with unders in 60%.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2024 | La Liga | Espanyol 2-1 Levante | 2-1 |
| Dec 3, 2023 | La Liga | Levante 1-1 Espanyol | 1-1 |
| Mar 19, 2023 | La Liga | Espanyol 2-0 Levante | 2-0 |
| Sep 4, 2022 | La Liga | Levante 1-2 Espanyol | 1-2 |
| Feb 4, 2021 | La Liga | Espanyol 1-0 Levante | 1-0 |
Estadio Ciutat de València: Mixed results, but Espanyol unbeaten in last 3 visits.
Predicted XI Lineups
Levante (4-2-3-1): Ryan; Toljan, De la Fuente, Moreno, Sanchez; Martinez, Arriaga; Tunde, Alvarez, Losada; Romero
Espanyol (4-4-2): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Zarate, Exposito; Dolan, Milla, Carreras; Fernandez.
Lineups per Castro and the Espanyol coach’s Friday briefings: Levante Romero up top; Espanyol Fernandez central sans Lozano. Subs like Eyong (if available, Levante), Tejero (Espanyol).
Key Players to Watch
Levante
- Mathew Ryan (GK) – Vast experience at club and international level. His shot-stopping and command of the box will be vital if Levante are to stay competitive against sustained pressure.
- Iván Romero (ST) – Levante’s main outlet on the break. His movement behind the defence and ability to hold up play make him key in transition moments.
Espanyol
- Pere Milla (FW) – Intelligent movement between the lines and an eye for goal. He often pops up in dangerous areas and can punish defensive lapses.
- Marko Dmitrović (GK) – A reliable presence at the back. His consistency and decision-making help Espanyol manage away games and protect narrow leads.
Match Prediction
Espanyol are the stronger, more consistent side this season and should control longer spells of possession. Levante’s recent win gives them belief and they will be dangerous on the break, but Espanyol’s quality in midfield and attack should tell.
- Predicted Score: Levante 1–2 Espanyol.
Rationale: Espanyol’s superior squad depth and form make them favourites to take all three points, though Levante’s home fight means the visitors are likely to be tested. (Consensus previews lean to an Espanyol win.)
Where to Watch the Levante vs Espanyol Match
- Global: Streaming and live-score services such as ESPN, FotMob, Sofascore and Flashscore will carry live updates and confirmed lineups roughly an hour before kick-off. Always check local listings.
- Spain / Europe: LaLiga rights holders (DAZN / Movistar/ local broadcasters — check your market)
- USA: ESPN+; FuboTV – Starts 9:15 AM ET.
- Canada: DAZN Canada – 9:15 AM ET kickoff.
- Australia: beIN Sports – Begins 8:15 PM AEDT (Jan 11).