Espanyol – Las Palmas
With five defeats in a row, the relegation zone breathing down their necks and the suspension of defensive stalwart Marash Kumbulla, Espanyol go into their final game against Las Palmas with their nerves on edge. A win at the RCDE Stadium is essential if they are to avoid relegation to the Segunda División, regardless of what happens at Leganés. The visitors are in 19th place and have long since been relegated, but they travel with a reputation as a tough opponent: three of the last five direct encounters have gone to the Canary Islanders, including the 1-0 first leg. Under these circumstances, Saturday (kick-off 6:30 p.m.) promises not to be a gala affair, but rather an evening where every tackle could mean sporting survival.
Espanyol – Palmas info
- Venue: RCDE Stadium, Cornella de Llobregat
- Date and time: May 24, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
- Competition: Primera División (Matchday 38)
Espanyol form & record check
Since losing 2-0 to Osasuna, Espanyol has suffered five defeats in a row without picking up a single point. In all of those games, they have conceded at least one goal, often after the break. The offense has failed to find the net in its last two games, including against champions Barcelona. With 39 points, Manolo González’s team is in 17th place in the table, just two points ahead of Leganés. However, their home record gives cause for hope: despite the crisis, the Catalans have won more than half of their league points at the RCDE Stadium. The key will be to stabilize the defense without Kumbulla.
Espanyol are likely to start in a 4-2-3-1 formation once again: Joan García in goal, with a defense in front of him that is without the suspended Kumbulla. In attack, hopes rest on Puado and Exposito behind center forward Roberto Fernández. There is much to suggest that González will rely on tried-and-tested automatisms, as experimentation would be risky in this situation.
Palma’s form & record check
Las Palmas also travel with five defeats in a row, their relegation having been sealed weeks ago. The Canary Islanders have scored hardly any goals during this run, but have conceded at least one goal in every game; four times the total number of goals has been less than 1.5. Offensively, a lot depends on Sandro Ramírez, while Silva is out injured and captain Kirian is suspended. With 32 points in 19th place, the only thing left to play for is a reasonably respectable farewell to the Primera División.
Las Palmas are likely to stick with a 4-4-2 formation. McKenna and Juanma Herzog will form the central defense, with Viti Rozada and Álex Muñoz occupying the outside positions. Essugo and Moleiro will anchor the midfield, with Park and Loiodice providing width on the wings. Up front, McBurnie will replace the injured Silva, flanked by Manu Fuster. Despite being already relegated, coach Diego Martínez wants to field a competitive team.
H2H Espanyol – Palmas Head-to-head & Statistics
In the last five head-to-head matches, Las Palmas came out on top three times, with Espanyol winning only once. No game since 2021 has seen more than two goals, with four ending with less than 1.5 goals. Particularly striking: in the last three encounters, the first half remained goalless, with the decisive scenes coming after the break. This history underscores the expectation of a close, unspectacular relegation thriller.
