La Liga's 2026/27 campaign opens on 16 August at the RCDE Stadium, where Espanyol host Levante. Both clubs finished mid table last season, Espanyol in 11th and Levante in 16th and this is a fixture with enough history between them that neither side will treat it as a throwaway opener.
Manolo González remains in charge at Espanyol after his contract was extended through 2027, with Gerard Garrido continuing as assistant. Levante's bench belongs to Luís Castro, who came in during November 2025 following Julián Calero's dismissal and is also contracted until 2027.
Pre-season is the only form guide available and it tells a reasonably clear story: Espanyol beat lower tier sides twice, drew with Championship clubs Burnley and Middlesbrough, then lost 1-3 to Coventry City, which is worth noting going into a match where early-season sharpness will matter. Levante looked more cohesive, picking up three wins including a convincing 3-1 over Castellón.
Espanyol are without Javi Puado, who is out with a serious knee injury and Kike García but the rest of the squad is available. Summer arrivals Álex Calatrava, Unai Núñez and Quilindschy Hartman are all expected to feature. González looks set to use a 4-2-3-1 with Marko Dmitrović in goal, a back four of Omar El Hilali, Núñez, Leandro Cabrera and Roger Hinojo or Hartman, Urko González or Zarate alongside Edu Expósito in the double pivot and Tyrhys Dolan, Calatrava and Javi Hernández supporting striker Roberto Fernández.
Levante travel without the suspended Roger Brugué but have no other fitness concerns. Aïssa Mandi and Hugo Sotelo are new to the squad following Carlos Espí's departure. Their expected 4-2-3-1 lines up Mathew Ryan in goal, Nacho Pérez, Mandi, Adrián De la Fuente and Manuel Sánchez in defence, V. García and Jon Olasagasti in central midfield and Carlos Álvarez supporting Iván Romero up front.
The central midfield battle between Expósito and González on one side and Olasagasti and Sotelo on the other is the contest to watch. Espanyol have scored heavily from set pieces under González and early aerial deliveries into the box could test Levante's defensive organisation before they find their footing. Mandi's arrival gives Levante aerial coverage at corners they lacked last season, though the home side probably edge that battle. Both Dmitrović and Ryan are experienced enough to handle early pressure and their performances could be what ultimately separates the sides.
Espanyol hold the historical advantage with 19 wins from around 45 meetings against roughly 10 for Levante but the last two encounters ended level.
The historical pattern of draws and both teams' defensive priorities make 1-1 the most honest call here. Levante's pre-season form was strong enough to suggest Romero will cause problems on the counter and Espanyol's set piece delivery is reliable enough to punish any lapse at a corner or free kick. 1-1.
Ryan Baldi
Football Writer
Ryan Baldi is a professional football writer with years of experience and has been featured by respected outlets such as the BBC, The Guardian, Sky Sports, DAZN, FourFourTwo, ESPN, Yahoo Sport and Football365. He has also written several books including Arsène Who?.
