Europa League is back and La Liga club, Espanyol will visit Molineux this evening for the first match in a two-legged last 32 tie.
Although both sides have reached the knockout stages of the European competition, tonight will be the first time that the sides have met.
1972 was the last time Wolves reach the final of the European Competition and whilst in excellent form, they will hope that this year is just as successful.
Wolves go into the game as favourites to win after Espanyol’s poor start to the season sees them at the bottom of La Liga. Wolves will need to perform tonight in order to set them in great position for next week’s tie in Barcelona.
Molineux Atmosphere:
Wolves’ last Europa fixture played at Molineux resulted in a four- nil win against Besiktas which led to them finishing second in their group.
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For most Wolves fans there is nothing more exciting than watching your team perform in their first European knockout game since the 70’s, at home under the floodlights.
“The group stages, all the games were a full house”, said Nuno as he commented on how they are counting on the “fantastic atmosphere” at Molineux this evening.
Will Wolves feel the full strength’s side?:
Wolves wing-back Ruben Vinagre will not be named in the first leg fixture tonight due to him still struggling with a Hamstring injury.
Vinagres’s absence means that Jonny Castro Otto is likely to fill his space.
Espanyol, however, take a bigger hit before tonight’s fixture. January signing Raul de Tomas has not made the Journey to Wolverhampton, as well as leading midfielder Marc Rosa.
Raul de Tomas has proved to be a huge signing for Espanyol, scoring 5 goals in 5 games and will be definitely missed this evening.
No easy game:
Despite Espanyol being bottom of La Liga, their quality should not be left underestimated. The 1200 travelling fans will not be looking to leave disappointed.
Although not having a great start to the season, 2 wins and 3 draws in their last 6 matches is proof that tonight will be no easy match for Wolves.
Espanyol finished top in their table and the Spanish side is not shy to the European competition as they reached the final last time they were in the knockout stages.
Tonight, is Boss, Ableardo’s first European game as manager. With intent of bringing home a result he said: “It’s going to be an exciting encounter. We’re not just here for sightseeing or as tourists, we want to win or take a positive result back with us”.
Espanyol face an important game this Sunday that they will be focused on winning. However, despite having to make necessary changes to tonight’s side, Ableardo remains confident.