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Opposition lowdown: Valencia
Valencia are the next visitors to the RCDE Stadium
The international break is over and RCD Espanyol are back to business, as they welcome Valencia CF on Sunday.
Valencia sit mid table having struggled away from home, yet have shown their quality when they are at the Mestalla. Ahead of what is going to be a hectic October, Espanyol will look to hit the ground running following the brief pause in league action.
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Name: Valencia CF SAD
Nickname: Los che
Manager: Gennaro Gattuso
Stadium: Mestalla Stadium – 49,430 capacity
Last match: W 3-0 vs Celta de Vigo
Last season: 9th
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Last meeting
Valencia were the last visitors of the 2021/22 season to the RCDE Stadium, when they faced an Espanyol side under the interim leadership of current B team manager Luis Blanco.
It ended in a 1-1 draw with both goals coming towards the conclusion of the first half. Maxi Gómez put the visitors in front with a well-taken finish into the bottom corner, before Raúl de Tomás equalised on the stroke of half time.
Key player
Thierry Correia has had a solid start to the season, featuring in every game so far in LaLiga. A dynamic right-back who is capped at under-21 level, the Portuguese player plays a key role both at the back and going forward to contribute to the attack.
Valencia also have a matador among their ranks in the form of Edinson Cavani, who joined them from Manchester United this summer. The Uruguayan striker has only made one appearance so far but remains a dangerous asset to have at their disposal.
Club links
Local hero Daniel Solsona came through the academy at Espanyol during the 1960s, where he would make his senior debut at the start of the following decade. He spent eight years in the blanquiazul shirt before moving onto Valencia in 1978.
At Valencia was where he would collect a series of silverware, winning three trophies in five years including the Copa del Rey and a European double in 1980. He remains revered by both sets of fans as a legendary midfielder from the days of Sarrià.