It's a cup final atmosphere at the RCDE Stadium as Espanyol and Athletic Club lock horns in a critical La Liga showdown. For the Parakeets, this isn't just another match—it's a desperate fight for survival.

Espanyol manager Manolo González has shaken things up in defense, handing a start to Riedel as his side looks to tighten up at the back. Up front, he's keeping faith in the attacking trio of Roberto, Rubén, and Roca, while Pol Lozano is expected to provide the midfield spark they desperately need.

Across the pitch, Athletic Club are dealing with a major absence. Without the electric Nico Williams, the Lions will lean heavily on Berenguer, Unai Gómez, Iñaki Williams, and Robert Navarro—the latter stepping in for the younger Williams brother. It's a test of depth for Ernesto Valverde's men.

The stakes couldn't be higher. Athletic are pushing hard to secure European football for another season, while Espanyol are in a dogfight at the bottom, needing all three points to claw their way out of the relegation zone. Every tackle, every pass, every goal carries enormous weight.

For Espanyol, this feels like a cup final—and in their current position, it very well might be. Can they rise to the occasion, or will Athletic's European ambitions prove too strong?