Sabasports Match Preview
LaLiga 2: Leganes vs Deportivo La Coruna
Kickoff Time: 2025-09-02 03:30 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/PANKRA NIETO
Leganes was the champion of the 2023–24 LaLiga 2 season. However, due to limited financial resources, the club did not make significant signings after promotion and lacked competitiveness in La Liga, ultimately finishing second-to-last and being relegated. After relegation, Leganes began selling key players, including defensive midfielder Yvan Neyou (27 starts), defensive midfielder Renato Tapia (28 starts), center-back Sergio Gonzalez (33 starts), right-back Valentin Rosier (28 starts), goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic (32 starts), center-back Matija Nastasic (24 starts), left-back Javi Hernandez (27 starts), forward Dani Raba (24 starts, eight goals, six assists), attacking midfielder Oscar Rodriguez (29 appearances), and midfielder Darko Brasanac (30 appearances), all of whom have left the club. It is no exaggeration to say that Leganes has almost replaced its entire starting lineup. To compensate for the loss of strength, Leganes signed several veterans with La Liga experience, such as 31-year-old midfielder Gonzalo Melero (formerly of Levante), 34-year-old defender Ruben Pena (formerly of Villarreal), 34-year-old forward Oscar Plano (formerly of Valladolid), and 32-year-old defender Ignasi Miquel (formerly of Granada). However, based on their performance of this season, Leganes’ strategy has not paid off, as there is a lack of chemistry between the veterans and young players. The team has drawn both of its opening matches and has yet to secure its first league win.
Deportivo La Coruna has a glorious history, having won the La Liga title in the 1999–2000 season by outperforming powerhouses like Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, due to poor management, the team has been relegated multiple times and currently competes in LaLiga 2. Last season, they finished 15th, just eight points above the relegation zone, indicating a generally poor performance. During the summer transfer window, the club increased its investments in preparation for its 120th anniversary in 2026, with the goal of returning to La Liga. The team has already signed key players from other LaLiga 2 clubs, such as winger Luismi Cruz (two goals, eight assists last season with Tenerife) and defender Miguel Loureiro (formerly of Huesca). With these signings, Deportivo La Coruna’s first-team squad now has a total market value of €38.8 million, ranking third in LaLiga 2. Undoubtedly, the team now possesses the strength to challenge for promotion to La Liga. This season, they have started with one win and one draw, including a victory over last season’s seventh-placed team, Granada. New signing Luismi Cruz has already contributed an assist, showing seamless integration into the team’s tactical system.
In terms of total squad value, Leganes stands at €25.65 million, only half of Deportivo La Coruna’s. Based on their season performance, Leganes is still in an adjustment period. For example, in their last match, they managed nine shots but converted only one into a goal, reflecting low offensive efficiency. Deportivo La Coruna, aiming for promotion, is unlikely to miss the opportunity to secure points away against a weaker Leganes side.
Leganes’ Last 5 Games: DDWWW
25-08-23 Leganes 1-1 Cadiz
25-08-18 SD Huesca 1-1 Leganes
25-07-13 Louisville City FC 1-2 Leganes
25-05-25 Leganes 3-0 Real Valladolid
25-05-19 Las Palmas 0-1 Leganes
Deportivo La Coruna‘s Last 5 Games: XXXXX
25-08-24 Deportivo La Coruna 0-0 Burgos CF
25-08-17 Granada 1-3 Deportivo La Coruna
25-06-02 Deportivo La Coruna 0-4 Elche
25-05-26 Real Zaragoza 1-0 Deportivo La Coruna
25-05-17 Deportivo La Coruna 2-3 Granada
Head-To-Head Record
18-04-21 Leganes 0-0 Deportivo La Coruna
17-12-10 Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 Leganes
17-02-26 Leganes 4-0 Deportivo La Coruna
16-09-23 Deportivo La Coruna 1-2 Leganes
Prediction: Deportivo La Coruna to win or Draw