Two promoted clubs will lock horns in gameweek one of the 2024-25 La Liga campaign, with Real Valladolid welcoming Espanyol to Estadio Jose Zorrilla on Monday night.
The home side finished second in the Segunda Division last season to secure an automatic return to the top flight, while Espanyol managed to gain promotion via the playoffs.
Real Valladolid were relegated from La Liga at the end of the 2022-23 campaign courtesy of their 18th-placed finish in the table, but they managed to secure a return to the top flight for the 2024-25 season by finishing second in the second tier last term.
Paulo Pezzolano's side only finished their season at the start of June, and they were back in pre-season action on July 24, beating Gimnastica Segoviana 5-2, while the team also overcame Burgos and Toulouse in friendly fixtures.
It has been a busy summer for the White and Violets in terms of recruits, with nine new players arriving, including Juanmi Latasa from Real Madrid, while Eray Comert has been another notable addition for the club.
There have been five departures, including Alvaro Negredo, while midfielder Monchu has also left, but there is a strong look to the squad heading into the new season, and Real Valladolid will be determined to consolidate back at this level.
Pucela recorded a 2-1 victory when they last faced Espanyol in Spain's top flight, but they only picked up one point from their two meetings in the second tier last term.
Espanyol, meanwhile, also only spent one season away from Spain's top flight, but they needed to go through the Segunda Division playoffs to secure a return to La Liga.
Indeed, the Catalan outfit overcame Sporting Gijon in the semi-finals of the playoffs before recording a 2-1 victory over Real Oviedo in the final, with the White and Blues gaining promotion alongside Leganes and Real Valladolid.
Espanyol have made five signings this summer, including Alejo Veliz on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, but there have been some key departures, with Nico Melamed and Martin Braithwaite both seeking pastures new.
As mentioned, Manolo Gonzalez's side secured four points from their two Segunda Division matches with Real Valladolid last term, but they have lost three of their last four meetings with Monday's opponents in Spain's top flight.
Espanyol's season is likely to hinge on the results against the teams expected to be around them, and Monday's clash is set to be a fascinating battle between two sides that are expected to be in the relegation mix come the end of the campaign.
There are set to be a number of debutants on display on Monday night, with Latasa and Amath Ndiaye likely to be among those in the starting side.
Stipe Biuk has been Real Valladolid's biggest signing this summer in terms of a transfer fee, and he is also set to be in the side, while leading goalscorer from last season Victor Meseguer has arrived on a permanent basis from Granada, and the 24-year-old should feature in central midfield.
As for Espanyol, Braithwaite will be a huge miss from last season, with the 33-year-old, who has joined Gremio on a free transfer, scoring 22 league goals in 2023-24.
Irvin Cardona has arrived on loan from FC Augsburg, though, and he is expected to feature in the final third of the field on Monday, while there should also be spots in the side for fellow new arrivals Alvaro Tejero, Veliz, Alex Kral and Carlos Romero.
Javi Puado was impressive for Espanyol last term, scoring 17 times in all competitions, and the 25-year-old is also set to be among the starters, but Edu Exposito will not be available for selection due to an injury.
Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:Hein; Perez, Comert, Sanchez, Rosa; Meseguer, Juric; Biuk, Ndiaye, Moro; Latasa
Espanyol possible starting lineup:Pacheco; Tejero, Gomez, Cabrera, Romero; Kral, Aguado; Veliz, Milla, Puado; Cardona
We are not expecting there to be much between the two sides in the league table this season, and this should be a very close match. It would not be a surprise to see a home or an away win, but we just have a feeling that the points will be shared in a low-scoring draw.
Valladolid won automatic promotion last season by finishing second in the Segunda Division, winning 21 of their 42 matches.
Espanyol, who won a Copa del Rey edition of this game along the way, were three points behind them in fourth, going on to win the play-offs.
Real Valladolid are back in LaLiga after securing promotion from the Segunda division where they finished the season in second place. The team will be aiming to have a positive season this time around after being relegated in the 2022-23 campaign courtesy of an 18th-place finish.
Paulo Pezzolano’s side enjoyed a good pre-season as they aim to kickstart their league season with a win here. They have made some wonderful signings with nine players added to the roster who will provide much-needed competition to the squad.
Unlike their counterpart, Espanyol secured their spot in the LaLiga in a difficult way. They had to overcome Sporting Gijon in the semifinals of the playoffs. However, their real test came against Real Oviedo in the final. There they managed to register a 2-1 win to make their way in the top flight.
Manola Gonzalez’s team has made some interesting signings this summer focusing more on the new talents. Espanyol will have to start winning these fixtures from the start only to avoid any fear of relegation by the end of the season again.
The Senegalese international was one of the top performers for Real Valladolid in the Segunda division where the team finished second to automatically qualify for LaLiga. Sylla had deputized in several positions during the season with his versatility proving to be an important asset to the team. He appeared 29 times for the club last season scoring eight goals and providing another two assists.
Espanyol have done an excellent job of acquiring the services of Alejo Veliz on loan from Tottenham Hotspur with the forward fitting the right profile they were looking for in their new season. Veliz is an exciting young talent who is set to have a big future after showing flashes of brilliance in Tottenham and Sevilla colours. He is aiming to play an important role this season. His clinical finishing and athleticism can only benefit his new team going forward.
Real Valladolid have one injury concern in the squad. Goalkeeper Arnau Rafus is set to miss this match after suffering hernia.
On the other hand, Espanyol will be without Edu Exposito. He is also dealing with an injury problem at the moment. Plenty of summer signings will be hoping to make their debut here.
Both these teams will be playing their first game in the LaLiga after securing promotion from the Segunda Division. We expect these two teams to play a tight match here. A draw will be a fair result for both of them to open the new season.
Prediction: Real Valladolid 1-1 Espanyol
India – FanCode, Sports 18, GXR World
UK – Viaplay, ITV, La Liga TV
US – fubo TV, ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Nigeria – SuperSports, CANAL+
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
