September 22, 2025 – The RCDE Stadium plays host to a captivating La Liga showdown on Tuesday, September 23, as Espanyol welcome Valencia in Matchday 6 of the 2025/26 season. Fresh off a humbling 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid that snapped their unbeaten start, fourth-placed Espanyol are desperate to reignite their momentum and extend their flawless home record. Valencia, buoyed by a 2-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao but haunted by away woes—including a 6-0 thrashing by Barcelona just 10 days ago—head to Catalonia aiming for their first road victory since May. With Espanyol unbeaten in six straight head-to-heads against Los Che (all draws in the last five), this clash could hinge on the hosts' fortress mentality versus the visitors' travel fragility.
Current League Standings
After five matches, Espanyol sit comfortably in fourth place with 10 points (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), three points clear of seventh and firmly in the European conversation. Their strong start has them as one of only four teams with a perfect home record this season. Valencia, meanwhile, languish in 11th with 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses), having harvested all their points at Mestalla. Their away form—zero points from two games—remains a glaring Achilles' heel.
| Position | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th | Espanyol | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 10 |
| 11th | Valencia | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 8 | -2 | 7 |
GF = Goals For, GA = Goals Against, GD = Goal Difference. Standings as of September 22, 2025.
Match Preview
Espanyol's return to La Liga after last season's promotion has exceeded expectations, with Manolo González's side amassing 10 points from their first four games, including home triumphs over Atlético Madrid, Osasuna, and Mallorca. That dream run was punctured by Real Madrid's Éder Militão and Kylian Mbappé at the Santiago Bernabéu, but the Periquitos' home form offers solace: unbeaten in their last 16 league games at the RCDE Stadium (only two losses in that span) and chasing a fifth straight home win. Trends favor goals—over 0.5 in their last 27 league matches, with second-half strikes in the last 12—but first halves are cagey (one team scoreless in 34 of 36).
La Liga Form (Last 5): W D W W L
Valencia, under Carlos Corberán, have shown flickers of promise but inconsistency defines them. Their latest: a red-card-aided 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, with Baptiste Santamaria scoring and assisting Hugo Duro. Yet, away form is dire—four straight league road games without a win since beating Las Palmas in May, conceding in 16 straight away trips. Last visit to Catalonia? A 6-0 demolition by Barcelona. To triumph at RCDE for the first time since November 2019 (2-1), they'll need to shatter Espanyol's six-game H2H unbeaten streak.
La Liga Form (Last 5): D L W L W
Recent Form and Key Stats
Espanyol's Recent Form and Key Stats
The Parakeets' 2-0 loss to Real Madrid was a reality check, but their overall record (3W-1D-1L) reflects balance: 1.6 goals scored per game against 1.4 conceded. Home, they're electric—averaging 2.0 goals scored—and defensively stout, with clean sheets in key wins. Weakness? Vulnerability to counters, conceding 1+ in eight straight H2H vs. Valencia.
Goals Ratio (Scored : Conceded): 8 : 7 (1.6 : 1.4 per match after 5 games).
Top Scorers (La Liga 2025/26)
| Player | Goals |
|---|---|
| Pere Milla | 3 |
| Javier Puado | 2 |
| Carlos Romero | 1 |
| Kike García | 1 |
Valencia's Recent Form and Key Stats
A morale-boosting 2-0 over Athletic masked deeper issues: 1.2 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per game, with all points at home. Away, it's grim—winless in 18 of 20 league road games, trailing at halftime in their last three trips, and conceding early (average first goal against at 25').
Goals Ratio (Scored : Conceded): 6 : 8 (1.2 : 1.6 per match after 5 games).
Top Scorers (La Liga 2025/26)
| Player | Goals |
|---|---|
| Hugo Duro | 2 |
| Diego López | 1 |
| Arnaut Danjuma | 1 |
| Baptiste Santamaria | 1 |
Head-to-Head Record
Espanyol hold recent psychological sway, unbeaten in six against Valencia (last win: December 2021 at Mestalla; home H2H win: August 2018). The last five? All draws, with both teams scoring in each and an average of 2.0 total goals—low-scoring stalemates that underline the rivalry's tightness. Historically, Valencia lead (24 wins to Espanyol's 14, 12 draws), but current trends favor the hosts: 100% HT unbeaten in 12 home H2H, and both teams scored in all six recent clashes.
Last 5 Head-to-Head Matches
| Date | Match | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 25, 2025 | Valencia vs Espanyol | 1-1 | La Liga |
| December 22, 2024 | Espanyol vs Valencia | 0-0 | La Liga |
| April 21, 2024 | Valencia vs Espanyol | 1-1 | La Liga |
| November 4, 2023 | Espanyol vs Valencia | 1-1 | La Liga |
| August 13, 2023 | Valencia vs Espanyol | 2-2 | La Liga |
Team News
Espanyol: No fresh injuries, but Pere Milla serves the second of a three-match ban. González may tweak upfront, handing veteran Kike García a second start alongside Javi Puado. The back four—Omar El Hilali, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero—stays trusted.
Valencia: Fully fit squad for Corberán. Duro, fresh off his brace contribution vs. Athletic, pushes for a start in a front two with summer signing Arnaut Danjuma, potentially benching Dani Raba.
Predicted Lineups
Espanyol (4-3-3): Dmitrović; El Hilali, Calero, Cabrera, Romero; Expósito, González, Lozano; Dolan, Puado, Kike. Coach: Manolo González
Valencia (4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala; Foulquier, Tarrega, Diakhaby, Gayà; Rioja, Santamaría, Guerra, López; Duro, Danjuma. Coach: Carlos Corberán
Statistical Breakdown
Espanyol's home dominance (unbeaten in 14/16, 88%) clashes with Valencia's road nightmares (winless 90%, concede 1+ in 16/16 aways). Espanyol edges goal differential (+1 vs. -2), scores more consistently (83% vs. 67%), and converts shots better (33% on-target vs. 28%). Valencia boasts possession (47% vs. 39%) and attacks (83.5 vs. 65.7 per game), but blocks more (2.83 avg.) and concedes early. Goals time late for both (Espanyol 29% 60-90', Valencia 43%), with BTTS in 100% recent H2H. Corners favor Valencia (5.17 avg.), but Espanyol's GK saves (4.33) shine under pressure. Discipline: Espanyol foulier (14.33 avg.) but even on reds (0.17).
| Category | Espanyol | Valencia |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored (Avg) | 1.67 | 1.17 |
| Goals Conceded (Avg) | 1.17 | 1.50 |
| Possession (%) | 39 | 47 |
| Shots on Target (%) | 33 | 28 |
| Dangerous Attacks (Avg) | 31.50 | 35.67 |
| Corners (Avg) | 2.33 | 5.17 |
| Fouls (Avg) | 14.33 | 11.50 |
Prediction and My Analysis: Who Will Win?
This matchup pits Espanyol's structured home fortress against Valencia's chaotic away disintegration. Stats scream home edge: Espanyol's +1 GD, 83% scoring rate, and 100% HT unbeaten in home H2H dwarf Valencia's 90% road winless streak and early concessions (avg. 25' for first goal against). While Valencia's possession and volume (higher attacks, corners) could pressure, their inefficiency (lower on-target, more blocks) and fragility (concede 1.6 avg., no clean sheets away) expose them to Espanyol's counters—especially late, where both peak but hosts convert better.
H2H trends (all draws recently, 100% BTTS) suggest goals, but Espanyol's unbeaten run and home scoring avg (2.0) break the deadlock. BetMines pegs hosts at 50% win probability (draw 27%, away 22%). Factoring fatigue (Valencia's recent Barca horror) and motivation (Espanyol's top-four chase), I predict Espanyol 2-1 Valencia. The Periquitos edge it via Puado/Milla threats exploiting Diakhaby lapses, extending their home streak while Los Che's road curse endures. Under 2.5 goals viable (50% Espanyol matches), but BTTS (100% H2H) tempts.
Summary of Key Statistics: Espanyol (ESP) vs. Valencia (VAL)
Based on the provided data, this appears to be a statistical comparison for an upcoming La Liga match between Espanyol (home team, ESP) and Valencia (away team, VAL), covering their last 6 matches across all leagues (full-time results). The stats highlight Espanyol's stronger recent form in goals and home performance, while Valencia shows better possession and attacking volume but struggles defensively on the road. Note: The query mentioned Sevilla and Villarreal, but the data clearly references Espanyol vs. Valencia—I've analyzed based on the given content.
I'll break it down into categories for clarity, using tables where effective. All averages are per game over 6 matches.
1. Overall Goals and Scoring Trends
Espanyol has a positive goal difference (+3) and scores more consistently, while Valencia concedes more. Both teams frequently see overs on 1.5 goals, but Espanyol's matches are more open.
| Stat | Espanyol (ESP) | Valencia (VAL) |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Scored (Total/Avg) | 10 / 1.67 | 7 / 1.17 |
| Goals Conceded (Total/Avg) | 7 / 1.17 | 9 / 1.50 |
| Scored in Match (%) | 83% (5/6) | 67% (4/6) |
| Both Teams Scored (%) | 50% | 33% |
| Over 1.5 Goals (%) | 83% | 83% |
| Over 2.5 Goals (%) | 50% | 33% |
| Over 3.5 Goals (%) | 33% | 17% |
| Clean Sheets (Avg) | 0.33 | 0.33 |
Insight: High-scoring potential (83% over 1.5 for both), but Espanyol edges in efficiency. Trends show both teams scored in all 6 recent H2H matches.
2. Shots and Attacking Efficiency
Valencia generates more attacks but is less clinical (lower on-target %). Espanyol is more direct inside the box.
| Stat | Espanyol (ESP) | Valencia (VAL) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Shots (Total/Avg) | 58 / 9.67 | 53 / 8.83 |
| Shots on Target (%) | 33% | 28% |
| Shots Off Target (%) | 45% | 45% |
| Shots Inside Box (%) | 58% | 66% |
| Shots Blocked (Avg) | 2.17 | 2.83 |
| Total Attacks (Total/Avg) | 394 / 65.67 | 501 / 83.50 |
| Dangerous Attacks (Total/Avg) | 189 / 31.50 | 214 / 35.67 |
Insight: Valencia dominates volume but wastes more (higher blocks, lower on-target). Espanyol converts better from key positions.
3. Possession and Passing
Valencia controls the ball more, with higher accuracy, suggesting a possession-based style.
| Stat | Espanyol (ESP) | Valencia (VAL) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Passes (Total/Avg) | 2060 / 343.33 | 2338 / 389.67 |
| Accurate Passes (Total/%) | 1630 / 79% | 1886 / 81% |
| Avg Possession (%) | 39% | 47% |
Insight: Valencia's edge here could lead to sustained pressure, but Espanyol's lower possession might enable counter-attacks.
4. Timing of Goals (Scored Goals by Period)
Espanyol spreads goals evenly but peaks late; Valencia is front-loaded in the second half.
| Period | Espanyol (ESP) Height % | Valencia (VAL) Height % |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15' | 14% | 0% |
| 15-30' | 14% | 0% |
| 30-45' (1st Half) | 14% | 14% |
| 45-60' (2nd Half Start) | 14% | 29% |
| 60-75' | 29% | 14% |
| 75-90' (Late) | 29% | 43% |
First Goal Timing (Avg): Espanyol scores at 49', concedes at 33'. Valencia scores at 59', concedes at 25' (early vulnerability).
Insight: Matches could stay level at HT (Espanyol undefeated at HT in 12/12 home H2H), with goals piling up late.
5. Set Pieces and Other Metrics
Valencia wins more corners (potential threat), but Espanyol's GK makes more saves (better defense under pressure).
| Stat | Espanyol (ESP) | Valencia (VAL) |
|---|---|---|
| Corners (Total/Avg) | 14 / 2.33 | 31 / 5.17 |
| Goal Kicks (Total/Avg) | 40 / 6.67 | 49 / 8.17 |
| Offsides (Total/Avg) | 4 / 0.67 | 9 / 1.50 |
| GK Saves (Total/Avg) | 26 / 4.33 | 20 / 3.33 |
| Penalties (Scored/Awarded) | 1/0 | 0/0 |
6. Disciplinary and Defensive
Espanyol is more aggressive (more fouls/yellows), but both are even on reds.
| Stat | Espanyol (ESP) | Valencia (VAL) |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Cards (Total/Avg) | 12 / 2.00 | 9 / 1.50 |
| Red Cards (Total/Avg) | 1 / 0.17 | 1 / 0.17 |
| Fouls (Total/Avg) | 86 / 14.33 | 69 / 11.50 |
| Tackles (Total/Avg) | 96 / 16.00 | 98 / 16.33 |
Insight: Higher fouls from Espanyol could disrupt Valencia's rhythm, but no major red-card risk.
7. Key Trends and H2H Insights
Espanyol Trends (Home-Focused):
- Undefeated at HT vs. Valencia: 12/12 (100%).
- Unbeaten in 14/16 home La Liga games (88%).
- Both teams scored in all 6 recent H2H (100%).
- No losses vs. Valencia in last 6 H2H (100%), but only 1 win in last 9 (winless streak in 8/9).
- Conceded 1+ in last 8 H2H (100%).
- Avg. 2.00 goals scored at home.
Valencia Trends (Away-Focused):
- Winless in 18/20 away La Liga games (only 2 wins, 90% non-win rate).
- Conceded 1+ in 16/16 away games (100%).
- Avg. 1.60 goals conceded overall.
H2H Insight: Tight rivalry—Espanyol unbeaten recently, but low wins (mostly draws). High BTTS rate suggests end-to-end action.
Prediction: Who Will Win?
Based purely on these stats, Espanyol has the edge and is likely to win (or at least not lose). Here's why:
- Form Edge: Better goal differential (+3 vs. -2), consistent scoring (83% vs. 67%), and strong home trends (unbeaten in 14/16, no HT losses in 12 H2H).
- Vs. Valencia Specifically: Unbeaten in 6 straight H2H, with both teams scoring every time—expect 2-1 or 1-1, but Espanyol's home scoring avg (2.00) tips it.
- Valencia's Weaknesses: Poor away record (90% winless), early concessions (avg. 25'), and lower efficiency despite more attacks/possession.
- Overall Probability Estimate (from stats): Espanyol win ~45%, Draw ~30%, Valencia win ~25%. Matches like this often go over 2.5 (avg. ~2.8 total goals combined).
This is stats-based only—factors like injuries or tactics could shift it.
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