Levante starts the season with a reduced squad against Espanyol Levante enters the 2026/27 LaLiga season with only 12 registered players for the match against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. The Valencian team, which finished last season in 19th place with 29 points (7 wins, 8 draws, and 16 losses), faces the challenge with limitations in its squad.

Which players are available? Out of the 12 registered, coach Luís Castro will be without Roger Brugué, suspended since last season, leaving the team with only 11 first-team players. The available players are: goalkeeper Pablo Cuñat; defenders Dela, Jorge Cabello, Víctor García, and Toljan; midfielders Olasagasti, Carlos Álvarez, Arriaga, and Oriol Rey; and forwards Brugué, Iván Romero, and Etta Eyong. Carlos Álvarez traveled with a bandage on his right calf.

Why are players missing? Four of Levante’s signings -Dani Requena, Hugo Sotelo, Thiago Fernández, and Musuayi- did not travel to Barcelona. Neither did Xavi Grande, who could be loaned out again this year. Additionally, youth players like Tay Abed, Dani Martín, or Martin Krugg are not with the first team, though Marc Santos did travel without needing registration.

What does this mean for the match? Levante, with a -15 goal difference last season and 50 points behind leaders Barcelona, faces a tough debut. Their next match will be against Barcelona on February 21, 2027, but first, they must overcome this challenge with a reduced squad.