Two promoted sides meet in what could be La Liga's most competitive Jornada 1 fixture: Espanyol host Levante at the RCDE Stadium (Cornellà-El Prat) on Sunday 16 August, kick-off 19:00 CEST. Both clubs have La Liga pedigree and both are determined to prove their promotion was deserved. This derby-adjacent fixture between two clubs from the Valencia and Catalonia regions carries real significance for both sets of supporters.
Espanyol: proud giants returning
Espanyol, Barcelona's historic neighbour and rival, return to La Liga with ambitions beyond mere survival. The club has La Liga DNA — decades in the top flight broken by a painful relegation. Under a coach focused on disciplined defending and quick transitions, Espanyol's squad contains players with Primera División experience. Home support at the RCDE Stadium will be passionate and loud for this opener.
Levante: Valencia's fighters
Levante have bounced between Primera and Segunda División in recent years, but bring energy and belief to their La Liga return. Their direct style — pressure, running, physicality — suits away games where the underdog tag motivates. Roger Martí and similar front men provide a constant threat on set pieces and direct balls.
Espanyol Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-2-3-1
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Key dynamic
Two promoted sides facing each other removes the quality gap that usually exists in such fixtures. This should be a competitive, physical game with both teams pressing high and looking to win second balls. The team that can establish midfield dominance early will likely prevail — neither side will sit back on this occasion.
Prediction & picks
- Both teams to score (BTTS, 61%) — two attacking-minded promoted sides.
- Over 2.5 goals (54%) — both will be positive and looking to impress.
- Prediction: Espanyol 2–1 Levante. Home advantage makes the difference.