Leganes vs. Espanyol Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 11 May 2025 - bettingexpert
As we approach the 35th round of LaLiga, Leganes host Espanyol at the Estadio Butarque on 11 May 2025 at 13:00. With Leganes sitting 19th in the relegation zone and Espanyol in 14th, this match could be critical for both sides.
While Leganes are still fighting to avoid relegation with 31 points, Espanyol have amassed 39 points and are looking to secure their mid-table status.
Recent performances for both teams have been mixed. Leganes come into the match with a DDDLD form, having earned hard-fought draws against Sevilla and Girona. Meanwhile, Espanyol’s form of LLDWW includes a narrow loss to Real Betis, where Joan Garcia was beaten by a stunning stoppage-time goal from Antony.
As the bookmaker favourite, Leganes will try to capitalize on home advantage. However, both teams have seen a low-scoring trend in their encounters, suggesting a draw could be on the cards. Our recommended bet is a draw.
Leganes vs Espanyol Prediction & Betting Tip
| Leganes vs Espanyol Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Draw | 3.04 |
- Low-scoring trend: Matches between these teams have frequently ended with fewer than 2.5 goals.
- Mixed recent form: With Leganes drawing three out of their last five games and Espanyol having a mixed bag of results, a draw feels like a balanced outcome.
- Defensive approaches: Leganes are likely to play cautiously to avoid slipping further into the relegation zone.
Leganes vs Espanyol Odds
With the bookmakers favouring Leganes, here’s a quick glance at the betting odds:
| Leganes vs Espanyol Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Leganes | 2.38 |
| Draw | 3.04 |
| Espanyol | 3.22 |
Leganes, although sitting 19th in the table, are the favourites to win, reflecting a potential home advantage. A draw is also a plausible result given both teams’ recent performances.
Espanyol, currently in 14th place, could spring a surprise, especially if they can capitalize on their recent better form compared to Leganes.
Leganes Team Analysis
Leganes Recent Performance DDDLD
Leganes have shown a mixed bag of results lately, securing three draws and suffering one defeat in their last five outings. Their goal-scoring has been somewhat sluggish, averaging only 0.80 goals per game during this period. However, they have managed to keep a clean sheet once in their last five matches, showing some defensive resilience.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sevilla | Leganes | 2025-05-04 | La Liga | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Leganes | Girona | 2025-04-24 | La Liga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Mallorca | Leganes | 2025-04-19 | La Liga | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Leganes | Barcelona | 2025-04-12 | La Liga | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Leganes | Osasuna | 2025-04-07 | La Liga | 1-1 (Draw) |
Their current form can be described as relatively stable but not quite enough to climb out of the relegation zone. Leganes will need to tighten up defensively — they concede an average of 1.4 goals per game this season, most of which tend to come late in matches.
Leganes Key Players
Leganes have a few standout players worth noting for the upcoming match against Espanyol. At the frontline, Daniel Raba is their top scorer with 7 goals this season. He will be crucial in breaking down Espanyol’s defense. Darko Brasanac and Renato Tapia are expected to control the midfield, providing both defensive solidity and aiding in attack transitions. With only one clean sheet in their last five matches, goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic will need to be at his best.
Expected lineup for Leganes:
- Goalkeeper: Marko Dmitrovic
- Defenders: Valentin Rosier, Sergio Gonzalez, Jorge Saenz, Javi Hernández
- Midfielders: Darko Brasanac, Renato Tapia, Daniel Raba, Juan Cruz, Munir El Haddadi
- Forward: Luis Lopes Duk
The battle between Raba and Espanyol’s center-backs Marash Kumbulla and Leandro Cabrera will be key in determining Leganes’s offensive success.
Leganes Suspensions & Injuries
Leganes have a few injury concerns heading into their clash with Espanyol. These injuries could significantly impact their performance, especially in the defensive and attacking departments.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Enric Franquesa | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Borna Barisic | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Miguel de la Fuente | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
The absences of Enric Franquesa and Borna Barisic for the rest of the season mean that Leganes will lack depth in their defensive options. Additionally, the uncertainty around Miguel de la Fuente’s fitness could hinder their attacking flexibility. This leaves coach Borja Jiménez with some challenging decisions to make regarding his lineup.
Leganes Tactics and Formation
Leganes Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Luis Lopes Duk
- Attacking Midfielder: Juan Cruz, supported by wings Daniel Raba and Munir El Haddadi
- Defensive Midfield Pairing: Darko Brasanac and Renato Tapia
- Defensive Quality: One clean sheet in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Given their position in the relegation zone, Leganes are likely to prioritize a solid defensive structure and aim to hit Espanyol on the counter-attack.
Expect coach Borja Jiménez to encourage his team to stay organized defensively, focusing on maintaining shape and exploiting any opportunities to counter swiftly through their pacy wingers.
Espanyol Team Analysis
Espanyol Recent Performance
Espanyol’s recent form shows a mix of results, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches.
| Home Team | Away Team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espanyol | Real Betis | 2025-05-04 | LaLiga | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Villarreal | Espanyol | 2025-04-27 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Valencia | Espanyol | 2025-04-22 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Espanyol | Getafe | 2025-04-18 | LaLiga | 1-0 (Win) |
| Celta Vigo | Espanyol | 2025-04-12 | LaLiga | 0-2 (Win) |
In their last five games, Espanyol have scored an average of 1.00 goal per match and managed to keep two clean sheets. Their victories against Getafe and Celta Vigo have been particularly notable, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
However, losses against Real Betis and Villarreal indicate some inconsistencies that coach Manolo González will look to address. With an average of conceding 1.4 goals per match this season, defensive solidity remains crucial. Espanyol’s overall position in the league table shows a better standing compared to Leganes, but maintaining form will be vital for their ambitions.
Espanyol Key Players
Espanyol will rely heavily on their key players to secure a positive result against Leganes. Javier Puado is their top scorer, netting 11 goals this season, and will be crucial in breaking down Leganes’ defense. Puado’s natural flair and eye for goal make him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. In the midfield, Eduardo Expósito and Urko González de Zárate will be tasked with dominating the central areas and providing service for the forwards. Expósito’s playmaking ability and vision are critical for creating scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia has been solid between the posts, showing consistency and command in the box.
Expected lineup for Espanyol:
- Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
- Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Marash Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero
- Midfielders: Eduardo Expósito, Urko González de Zárate, Pol Lozano
- Attackers: Antoniu Roca, Roberto Fernández Jaén, Javier Puado
Key individual battles will include Puado against Leganes’ center-back Jorge Saenz and Garcia’s performance against potential onslaughts from Leganes’ attackers.
Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Jose Gragera | Broken finger | Doubtful |
| Brian Oliván | Foot injury | Doubtful |
Espanyol are facing some injury concerns ahead of their clash with Leganes. Jose Gragera and Brian Oliván are both doubtful for the match, which could pose challenges, particularly in maintaining midfield balance and defensive stability.
Gragera’s injury affects depth in the midfield, where his tenacity and playmaking are missed. Oliván’s potential absence at left-back could limit their defensive options against Leganes’ wingers.
The team will need to rely on their available squad depth to cover these gaps and ensure they maintain their competitive edge.
Espanyol Tactics and Formation
Espanyol Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Javier Puado (11 goals this season)
- Central Trio: Eduardo Expósito, Urko González de Zárate, Pol Lozano
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Solid defensive structure with an emphasis on midfield control
Espanyol’s 4-2-3-1 formation provides a balanced approach, giving them stability at the back while allowing creative freedom in midfield. With Javier Puado leading the attack, expect them to rely on his scoring ability to break down Leganes.
The midfield trio of Expósito, González de Zárate, and Lozano is critical for retaining ball possession and disrupting opponent attacks. The team’s recent defensive resilience, highlighted by two clean sheets in the last five matches, ensures that they remain tough to break down.
Leganes vs Espanyol Head-to-Head Statistics
| Leganes | Espanyol | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Espanyol | Leganes | 2025-01-11 | LaLiga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Leganes | Espanyol | 2024-04-12 | LaLiga2 | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Espanyol | Leganes | 2023-10-20 | LaLiga2 | 0-1 (Win) |
| Espanyol | Leganes | 2021-04-11 | LaLiga2 | 2-1 (Win) |
| Leganes | Espanyol | 2020-11-26 | LaLiga2 | 2-0 (Win) |
Leganes have held their own in recent encounters with Espanyol, securing a win and two draws in the last five meetings. Both sides have demonstrated defensive resilience, with less than 2.5 goals scored in 78% of their past nine clashes over the last five seasons. These statistics suggest another closely contested game is on the horizon.
Odds accurate as of 05.09.2025 13:01, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
