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Opposition lowdown: Real Valladolid
What to know about the next visitors to the RCDE Stadium
RCD Espanyol take on Real Valladolid next at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday.
The team from Castile and León are the first promoted side faced this season, having finished second in the Segunda División last year to earn an instant return to LaLiga.
Meanwhile, Espanyol will aim to get their first home win of the campaign, which would see them move above their opponents in the table.
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Name: Real Valladolid CF
Nickname: Pucela (Pucelle)
Manager: Pacheta
Stadium: José Zorrilla – 26,512 capacity
Last match: D 0-0 vs Real Betis
Last season: promoted (2nd)
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Last meeting
Due to recent relegations over the last few years, this will be the first meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began, when Real Valladolid hosted Espanyol in February 2020.
After a goalless first half which saw David López sent off for the visitors, Valladolid scored two late goals to all but seal the win. Although Adrián Embarba converted a late penalty, it proved to be just a consolation in a 2-1 defeat at the Estadio José Zorrilla.
Key player
Óscar Plano has been a constant force for Real Valladolid, joining the club in 2017 and now donning the number 10 shirt.
Playing on the right of attack, the Spaniard has played every match so far, registering a goal and an assist this season. His versatility across the final third and ability to use both feet make him a crucial player for Valladolid.
Club links
This Sunday will be a significant match for Fernando Calero, who spent his formative years in the white and purple of Valladolid. He began his youth career for the club before returning as a professional in 2016, playing 67 times for the first team.
Calero joined Espanyol in 2019, and has since establishing himself in the blanquiazul backline. Ahead of this weekend, he has made 80 appearances winning the Segunda División title, as he prepares to face his former team in the blanquiazul shirt.
Reunited at the RCDE Stadium
Not for the first time this season, there will be a former perico in the opposition dugout. José Rojo Martín, better known as Pacheta, is in his second season as Real Valladolid manager having brought them back to the top flight last year.
Pacheta spent the majority of his playing career with Espanyol, making over 100 appearances over five years. After playing at both the Sarrià Stadium and Montjuïc, he will now come to the RCDE Stadium – albeit now as the opposition.