Levante vs Espanyol preview - Espanyol game crucial - Lopez

Posted Thursday, April 16, 2015 by PA

Levante defender Ivan Lopez has told his team-mates to forget Monday's derby defeat to Valencia and focus on Friday's opponents Espanyol as they look to climb out of the Primera Division relegation zone.

Lucas Alcaraz's side lost 3-0 at Valencia, their fourth defeat in five games, to drop to 18th in the standings.

Levante are level on 28 points with Almeria and Deportivo La Coruna, who are 17th and 16th, respectively.

"We have to put Monday's defeat behind us because we have another important game coming up," Lopez said to Spanish newspaper Marca. "The game against Espanyol is crucial."

With four of Levante's seven remaining games being played at the Ciudad de Valencia, Lopez knows the importance of taking maximum points at home in order to defend their top-flight status.

"We will give our all to get as many points as possible in order to move out of the relegation zone and avoid the drop," he said. "Our home games are going to be crucial.

"We need our fans to come out and support us in order to beat Espanyol, who are doing well."

Levante have given away five goals in their last two games.

They have the second leakiest defence in the competition behind Rayo Vallecano, with 58 goals conceded in 31 games.

By contrast, Espanyol have kept a clean sheet in four of their last five games.

The Catalan outfit will take a five-match unbeaten run to the city of Valencia.

Espanyol followed their 3-0 triumph at Villarreal with a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday to climb to eighth in the standings.

They are five points adrift of the Europa League qualifying positions but club coach Sergio Gonzalez is not getting carried away.

"We are not going to change our approach or talk about Europe," he said. "We are just happy to have taken 41 points so far."

A win on Friday would be a big boost in confidence for Espanyol in view of next week's city derby against La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Levante will be bolstered by the return of veteran defender Juanfran from suspension but Senegal midfielder Pape Diop is doubtful with an ankle injury.