The Segunda Division playoff final between Espanyol and Real Oviedo promises an exciting showdown.
With a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg, Real Oviedo is looking to secure a spot in La Liga, while Espanyol aims to overturn the deficit and return to the top flight.
Match Preview
Espanyol's Recent Form
Espanyol’s 1-0 loss to Real Oviedo in the first leg was their first defeat since early February.
The Catalan side has been impressive at home, with only one loss in the Segunda Division this season.
Finishing fourth in the league, Espanyol is determined to make a swift return to La Liga after being relegated last season.
Real Oviedo's Road to the Final
Real Oviedo clinched the last playoff spot by a slim margin, edging out Racing Santander on goal difference.
Their playoff journey saw them eliminate Eibar in the semi-finals, and they now aim to return to La Liga for the first time since the 2000-01 season.
Oviedo’s narrow victory in the first leg gives them a slight edge going into the decisive match.
Team News
Espanyol
Espanyol is expected to field a similar lineup to the first leg. Key players include Martin Braithwaite and Javi Puado, who have combined for 37 goals this season.
A notable change might be the return of Omar El Hilali at right-back, replacing Oscar Gil. However, the team will miss Edu Exposito and Omar Sadik due to injuries.
Real Oviedo
Real Oviedo faces some injury concerns with David Costas, Mario Hernandez, and Rodrigo Tarin likely out.
Borja Baston, the team’s top scorer, might again start on the bench. Paulino de la Fuente’s fitness is in doubt, and if unavailable, Jonathan Dubasin is expected to start.
Predicted Lineups
Espanyol
J Garcia; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Olivan; Carreras, Bare, Gragera, Aguado; Braithwaite, Puado
Real Oviedo
Roman; Rozada, Luengo, Calvo, Pomares; Luismi, Colombatto; Dubasin, Seoane, Moyano; Alemao
Prediction
Espanyol’s formidable home record makes them favourites to win this leg.
While Real Oviedo’s lead and solid defence pose a challenge, we're expecting Espanyol to secure a 2-0 victory, advancing to La Liga with a 2-1 aggregate win.
Oviedo 
Espanyol 
