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Espanyol's 2026 Slump: Can they beat basement Real Oviedo?
9 Mar
Summary
- Espanyol has only earned three points from nine matches in 2026.
- Real Oviedo sits at the bottom, struggling with only 16 goals scored.
- Espanyol aims to complete a league double over Real Oviedo this season.
Espanyol hosts Real Oviedo at RCDE Stadium on Monday evening, with the home side desperately seeking their first victory of 2026. Once contenders for European spots, Espanyol has endured a significant downturn, accumulating just three points from their last nine league matches this year. They currently sit seventh in La Liga.
Conversely, Real Oviedo occupies the division's basement, struggling to score with only 16 goals in 26 games. Their return to the top flight has been challenging, leaving them 10 points from safety. Historical data favors Espanyol, who won the reverse fixture 2-0 and have a strong home record against Oviedo, who haven't won there since 1991.
Espanyol will be without suspended midfielders Charles Pickel and Edu Exposito, alongside long-term absentee Javi Puado. Real Oviedo faces numerous late fitness tests for key players including David Costas and Eric Bailly. Espanyol's earlier defensive solidity has faltered in 2026, contrasting with Oviedo's persistent scoring woes and recent managerial changes.
