The (double) calculator that Espanyol is forced to use

BarcelonaEspanyol can enjoy a double celebration this Sunday. In a matter of two hours, their first teams, both men's and women's, will have their hands full securing their continued presence in the First Division and the F League, respectively, this weekend. Sara Monforte's team visits Athletic Club (12 p.m., Movistar+), while Manolo González's team will head to Butarque (2 p.m., DAZN). Less than a year after returning to the Spanish football elite, both teams are looking to secure their place in the league without suffering more than necessary thanks to the cushion of points they maintain against relegation. Espanyol takes out their calculator: what do they need this weekend?

Considering that the men's team will start the matchday seven points above the relegation zone with 12 points left to play, the only combination that would allow them to celebrate their survival this weekend required first waiting for Las Palmas to lose this Friday against Rayo Vallecano. The Madrid side won 0-1. Thus, the Blue and Whites will mathematically secure survival if they beat Leganés, as they would be ten points away from the red zone with nine points left to play for. But what if that doesn't happen?

The math is clear: if Manolo González's team earns five points from their remaining four matches, they will be assured of another season in the Primera regardless of the rest of the matches. That means Espanyol could end up with 43 points, another four from their current tally, but in no case 44. A figure they most likely won't need to reach. If they draw at Butarque, they'll only need to earn two more draws in the next three matches. If they lose at Butarque, they could end up needing five points. If they draw on points with direct rivals, Espanyol will have lost the league. goal average In particular, with Sevilla and Girona, they would also finish below Getafe due to the better goal difference with the Madrid team. If they were tied on points with Valencia, the advantage would go to the Blue and Whites, given their current goal difference. Espanyol still have to play Leganés and Las Palmas, two direct rivals.

To reach the final matchday in the relegation zone, a rather bizarre combination of results would need to occur in at least ten matches: no more than a point against Leganés, Barça, and Osasuna; Sevilla and Girona each getting at least one; Alavés scraping at least five (against Athletic, Valencia, and Valladolid); and Las Palmas or Leganés winning their next three matches. But, even in that unlikely scenario, Espanyol would still be relying on itself to save itself. A home win against Las Palmas on the final day would be enough.

The women's team, in getting a point or waiting for a favor from Barça

The women's team has it easier. With two games remaining, they have Betis, second-to-bottom, six points behind. Most possible combinations put Espanyol women's team on the path to virtual, but not yet mathematical, safety. The Blue and Whites only need to pick up a point against Athletic Bilbao, or against Betis themselves on the final matchday, or simply hope for an obstacle from the Andalusians this Sunday against a Barça side (12 p.m., DAZN), who are one win away from lifting another La Liga title. The Blaugranas, therefore, would celebrate the title and, in the process, would do Espanyol women a favor.

The only combination that would send Espanyol women's team to the Second Division would be if they lost their two remaining games; if Betis won both; if Levante and Levante Badalona earned three or more points; and if Deportivo earned four or more points in their two remaining games. A far-fetched scenario, but mathematically possible. The calculations are clear: by winning one more match, both teams will be able to put down the calculator.