In a highly anticipated Copa del Rey clash, Espanyol aims for a third consecutive victory against Atletico Baleares. This second-round match is set to be hosted at the Estadio Balear in Palma, which accommodates just over 4,000 spectators.
Match Overview
Atletico Baleares arrives at this fixture with recent momentum, having secured a spot in the second round after defeating Gimnastic 2-0. Key players Juanmi Duran and Guillem Castell each found the net to help the team progress past the first round for the first time since the 2021-22 season.
Recent Performance
Louis Blanco’s squad has demonstrated strong form in their recent league matches, achieving three wins in succession. Their victories include:
- 2-1 win over Torrent
- 2-1 win against Poblense
- 1-0 win at Atletic Lleida on Sunday
This run puts them in third place in Group 3 of the Segunda Federacion, with a mere one point separating them from the top of the table.
Previous Meeting
This encounter marks the second meeting between Atletico Baleares and Espanyol this season, following a 1-1 draw against Espanyol’s ‘B’ team in October. Baleares is currently on a six-match unbeaten streak at home.
Espanyol’s Road to the Copa del Rey
Espanyol began their Copa del Rey journey with a 2-1 victory over Atletic Lleida. However, their La Liga campaign saw issues with back-to-back losses to Alaves and Villarreal, before bouncing back against Sevilla. They secured a narrow 1-0 win against Celta Vigo, thanks to an 86th-minute goal from Kike Garcia. With 24 points from 14 league matches, Espanyol sits sixth, aspiring to qualify for European football for the first time since the 2019-20 season.
Team News and Lineups
Atletico Baleares is expected to field the following starting lineup:
- Garcia
- Ramis, Perez, Pol, Serrano
- Keita, Bonet, Jofre, Taffertshofer, Duran
- Tovar
Jaume Tovar provides a significant scoring threat, with 11 goals in 14 appearances this season.
Espanyol, meanwhile, faces a setback with Javi Puado unavailable due to a knee injury sustained in October. Their probable starting lineup includes:
- Fortuno
- Sanchez, Rubio, Riedel, Salinas
- Exposito, Pickel
- Jofre, Terrats, Koleosho
- Kike
Match Prediction
The expectation for this encounter leans towards Espanyol emerging victorious, perhaps securing a 2-1 win. Despite Atletico Baleares’ recent triumphs, Espanyol’s extra quality is likely to prevail in this competitive match.
