Leganes – Valladolid
It’s the last matchday, the floodlights are already on at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, and Leganés are in 18th place with 37 points ahead of a decisive evening. Only a win will keep their chances of staying in the Primera División alive, as coach Borja Jiménez emphatically points out. Most recently, there was a 1-0 win at Las Palmas and a dramatic 3-2 victory over Espanyol, with Dani Raba once again the match winner. However, the fans also remember two relegations on the last matchday in this stadium – this time, they want to turn their fortunes around. Valladolid are already relegated, bottom of the table with just 16 points and on course for a negative record in the Spanish top flight. The first leg ended goalless, with Leganés winning the friendly matches. Visiting coach Álvaro Rubio has announced that he will field several young players. Referee Soto Grado will be in the spotlight, while Leganés will be without both of their long-term injured full-backs, but Valladolid have a full squad.
Leganés – Valladolid Info
- Venue: Estadio Municipal de Butarque, Leganés
- Date and time: May 24, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
- Competition: Primera División (Matchday 38)
Leganés form & record check
Leganés is staying afloat in the relegation battle with late pinpricks. The away win without conceding a goal in Gran Canaria was more than just a duty fulfilled, as the team kept their cool under pressure. However, in four of their last five games, they have conceded at least once. 80% of their most recent games have ended with both teams scoring, a clear indication that they lack balance. In addition, the team often loses momentum after the break, with the second half often resulting in a draw. Captain Sergio González continues to spend most of his time on the bench, which is causing internal discussions. The situation is simple: two points behind Espanyol, with the head-to-head record in Leganés’ favor, so only a win counts.
Leganés are likely to start in a 4-4-2 formation once again. Alti, Sáenz, Nastasić, and Hernández will form the defense, with Cissé and Tapia playing in front of them in the center, and Juan Cruz and the in-form Raba on the wings. El Haddadi will carry the responsibility up front. Captain Sergio González is likely to remain on the bench for now. The cruciate ligament injuries to Franquesa and Barisic continue to force improvisation on the left side, but this has been dealt with well recently.
Valladolid Form & Record Check
Valladolid travels as a symbolic relegation candidate. Five defeats in a row, most recently a 0-1 loss to Alavés after an early penalty, illustrate the trend. The team has not won a point since the start of the second half of the season, failing to score after the break and often conceding further goals. Coach Álvaro Rubio has the entire squad at his disposal and rotates regularly, but to no avail. There are many indications that the focus is already on the upcoming second division season. Nevertheless, the team wants to bow out with dignity, which at least promises commitment, if not necessarily quality.
Valladolid are likely to stick with their usual 3-4-3 formation. Hein will be in goal, with Candela, Nikitscher, and Özkacar in defense. Tuhami, Mario Martín, Amallah, and Aznou are expected in midfield, with Xavi Moreno, Juanmi Latasa, and Raúl Moro providing pace up front. With all players fit, some of the canteranos could get some minutes, but the basic formation will remain unchanged.
H2H Leganés – Valladolid Head-to-head & Statistics
Leganés are unbeaten in their last five direct encounters, with two wins and three draws. The most recent competitive meeting in August ended goalless, while a friendly in October saw Leganés win 3-1. Noteworthy: In the last three games, no goals were scored before the break, with a total of less than 1.5 goals per half. Leganés has been particularly solid defensively after the break, with Valladolid failing to score in the second half. This streak suggests that both coaches have opted for caution rather than risk so far.
