Espanyol and Levante Play to Scoreless Draw as Both Teams Remain in La Liga Survival Battle
Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain — April 27, 2026
In a match that offered little to celebrate, RCD Espanyol and Levante UD played to a scoreless draw at RCDE Stadium on Monday night, leaving both teams still mired in the La Liga relegation battle with just five games remaining in the season. The goalless stalemate did little to ease the pressure on either side, as Espanyol remain just four points above the drop zone while Levante stay rooted in the bottom three.
What Happened: A Match Defined by Missed Chances
The 0-0 result at the RCDE Stadium was a frustrating outcome for both teams, who combined for 22 shots but only six on target. Espanyol, playing at home, controlled possession (62% to Levante’s 38%) but struggled to break down a disciplined Levante defense that packed the box and forced the hosts into speculative efforts from distance.
Levante’s best opportunity came in the 34th minute when a counterattack led to a one-on-one chance for striker Roger Martí, but his low shot was smothered by Espanyol goalkeeper Diego López. The home side had their own golden chance in the 67th minute when Wu Lei found space in the box, but his shot was blocked by Levante defender Son and cleared off the line by a desperate sliding challenge from Carlos Clerc.
Despite the lack of goals, the match was far from uneventful. The referee brandished five yellow cards (three for Espanyol, two for Levante), including a caution for Espanyol midfielder Sergi Darder in the 89th minute for a late challenge that nearly sparked a melee. The physicality of the game reflected the high stakes, with both teams desperate for three points that could prove pivotal in their survival bids.
Why It Matters: The Relegation Battle Heats Up
The draw leaves Espanyol in 13th place with 39 points, just four points clear of 18th-placed Alavés, who currently occupy the final relegation spot. Levante, meanwhile, remain in 19th place with 33 points, three points adrift of safety with five matches left to play. With the La Liga season entering its final stretch, every point is critical for both teams.
For Espanyol, the result extends their winless streak to four matches (0-2-2 in their last four) and raises questions about their ability to secure the points needed to avoid the drop. The club, which has spent most of the season hovering just above the relegation zone, now faces a daunting run of fixtures that includes matches against Villarreal, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid. Manager Luis García acknowledged the frustration post-match but insisted the team remains focused on survival.
“We created enough chances to win the game, but football is about finishing,” García said. “We have to keep working. The players gave everything, but we necessitate to be more clinical in front of goal. The next game is another final for us.”
Levante, who have been in the relegation zone for much of the season, entered the match with renewed hope after a 2-1 win over Girona in their previous outing. However, the draw against Espanyol halts their momentum and leaves them still searching for the consistency needed to climb out of the bottom three. Manager Javier Calleja was blunt in his assessment of his team’s performance.
“We came here to win, and we didn’t do enough,” Calleja said. “We defended well, but we lacked creativity in attack. Now we have to focus on the next game since we can’t afford to drop points if we want to survive.”
The Standings: A Tight Race to Avoid the Drop
With five matches remaining, the La Liga relegation battle is tighter than ever. Here’s how the bottom of the table looks after Monday’s draw:
| Position | Team | Played | Points | Goal Difference | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Espanyol | 33 | 39 | -12 | L-L-D-D |
| 14 | Elche | 33 | 38 | -6 | W-L-W-W-W |
| 15 | Girona | 33 | 38 | -14 | W-L-D-L-L |
| 16 | Alavés | 33 | 36 | -11 | D-W-D-D-L |
| 17 | Cádiz | 33 | 35 | -18 | L-W-L-L-D |
| 18 | Alavés | 33 | 35 | -11 | D-W-D-D-L |
| 19 | Levante | 33 | 33 | -16 | W-L-D-L-L |
| 20 | Mallorca | 33 | 29 | -23 | L-L-W-L-L |
Espanyol’s next match is a critical six-pointer against Alavés on May 3, while Levante will host Cádiz on May 4. Both matches could go a long way in determining which teams secure survival and which face the drop to Spain’s Segunda División.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Missed Chances Cost Both Teams: Espanyol and Levante combined for 22 shots but only six on target, highlighting their struggles in front of goal. Espanyol’s Wu Lei and Levante’s Roger Martí both squandered golden opportunities.
- Defensive Resilience: Levante’s organized defense frustrated Espanyol, who dominated possession but failed to break through. The visitors’ ability to limit Espanyol to just two shots on target was a tactical success.
- Physical Battle: The match featured five yellow cards and several heated moments, reflecting the high stakes. Espanyol’s Sergi Darder was booked late for a reckless challenge that nearly sparked a confrontation.
- Relegation Race Tightens: With five matches left, Espanyol are just four points clear of the relegation zone, while Levante remain three points adrift of safety. The next round of fixtures could be decisive.
- Managerial Pressure Mounts: Both Luis García (Espanyol) and Javier Calleja (Levante) face increasing scrutiny as their teams struggle to secure the points needed for survival. García’s post-match comments suggested frustration with his team’s lack of clinical finishing.
What’s Next for Espanyol and Levante
Espanyol’s immediate focus shifts to their next match against Alavés on May 3 at the RCDE Stadium (kickoff: 18:30 CEST / 16:30 UTC). A win would provide some breathing room in the relegation battle, while a loss could see them drop into the bottom three for the first time this season.
Levante, meanwhile, will host Cádiz on May 4 (kickoff: 16:15 CEST / 14:15 UTC) in a match they cannot afford to lose. With Cádiz also fighting for survival, Levante will need to find a way to turn their recent defensive solidity into goals if they are to climb out of the relegation zone.
For fans looking to follow the action, both matches will be broadcast live on La Liga TV and streamed on LaLiga’s official website. Official updates and lineups can also be found on the Espanyol and Levante club websites.
FAQ: Espanyol and Levante’s Survival Battle
1. How many teams are relegated from La Liga each season?
La Liga relegates the bottom three teams at the end of the season. The 18th-placed team enters a playoff against the third-placed team from Segunda División, while the 19th and 20th-placed teams are automatically relegated.
2. What happens if Espanyol and Levante finish on the same points?
If two or more teams finish on the same points, La Liga uses the following tiebreakers in order: head-to-head record, goal difference in head-to-head matches, overall goal difference, and total goals scored. If teams are still tied, a playoff match may be required.
3. Who are Espanyol’s remaining fixtures?
Espanyol’s remaining matches are as follows (all times CEST):
- May 3: vs. Alavés (18:30)
- May 10: at Villarreal (16:15)
- May 17: vs. Real Madrid (21:00)
- May 24: at Atlético Madrid (18:30)
- May 31: vs. Mallorca (19:00)
4. Who are Levante’s remaining fixtures?
Levante’s remaining matches are as follows (all times CEST):
- May 4: vs. Cádiz (16:15)
- May 11: at Real Sociedad (14:00)
- May 18: vs. Valencia (18:30)
- May 25: at Barcelona (21:00)
- May 30: vs. Rayo Vallecano (19:00)
5. Has Espanyol been relegated before?
Yes, Espanyol have been relegated from La Liga three times in their history, most recently in the 2019-20 season. They returned to the top flight after winning the Segunda División in 2020-21.
6. What is Levante’s best-ever La Liga finish?
Levante’s highest-ever finish in La Liga came in the 2011-12 season, when they ended the campaign in sixth place and qualified for the UEFA Europa League. Their best recent finish was 12th in the 2019-20 season.
The Bottom Line
Monday’s draw between Espanyol and Levante was a microcosm of the desperation gripping the bottom of La Liga. Neither team could find the back of the net, and neither could secure the three points that might have eased their relegation fears. Now, with five matches left, both sides face a grueling schedule that includes matches against some of Spain’s top teams. For Espanyol and Levante, survival is no longer a hope—it’s a race against time.
What do you think? Will Espanyol or Levante pull off the great escape, or is one of these historic clubs headed for the drop? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow Archysport for all the latest La Liga news and analysis.
