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Opposition lowdown: Real Valladolid
The full preview of RCD Espanyol's next LaLiga opponents this Sunday
RCD Espanyol travel to Real Valladolid this Sunday, aiming to make it three consecutive victories in LaLiga.
Diego Martínez’s men make the trip across the country to face a team on the edge of the relegation zone, while wins over Elche and Mallorca have instilled confidence into his team ahead of another important league encounter.
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Name: Real Valladolid CF
Nickname: Albivioletas (White and Violets)
Manager: Pacheta
Stadium: Estadio José Zorrilla – 26,512 capacity
Last match: L 0-3 vs Celta de Vigo
Current position: 17th
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The season so far
Following promotion from the Second Division last season, Real Valladolid are fighting to renew their LaLiga status for another year. They currently lie 17th and a point clear of the drop zone, without a win in their last three outings and needing breathing space away from the relegation spots.
Standout player
Valladolid were the league’s third lowest scorers and struggling for goals in January – that was until they signed Cyle Larin. On loan from Club Brugge, the Canadian striker has three goals in his first five matches, bringing goals and belief to the Pucela.
Last time at the RCDE Stadium
Espanyol were winless at home when Valladolid came to the Temple in October, and playing in the much-loved pink kit, finally ended that dreaded run. A superb deep cross by Brian Oliván was finished off by Joselu’s bullet header for the only goal of the evening, earning a crucial 1-0 win in front of the adoring pericos and pericas.
Club links
Paco Fortes switched Barça for Espanyol in 1979, donning the blanquiazul shirt for a few years across the late 70s and early 80s. The forward eventually moved on in 1982 and signed for Real Valladolid, who would be his final club in Spain before moving across the Iberian peninsula to end his career in Portugal.