RCD Espanyol are under enormous pressure heading into this clash, with their disastrous 2026 form dragging them dangerously close to the relegation zone. Despite the urgency, confidence remains fragile after another disappointing defeat last weekend.
Athletic Club still have European ambitions to fight for, but their inconsistency away from home and several injury concerns could limit their ability to fully capitalize on Espanyol’s struggles.
With both sides carrying pressure for different objectives, this looks likely to be a tense and balanced encounter where neither team fully takes control.

Southampton FC head into this decisive second leg with momentum, home advantage, and an impressive unbeaten run that has transformed them into one of the Championship’s most dangerous sides in recent months.
While Middlesbrough FC have already shown this season they can compete well against Southampton, the absence of Hayden Hackney could heavily impact their midfield balance in such a tight contest.

After the tense and cagey first leg, another closely fought match is expected, but Southampton’s form and the atmosphere at St Mary’s could ultimately prove decisive in securing a narrow win and a place at Wembley.

Deportivo Alavés could prove far more dangerous than usual in this matchup, especially with survival still on the line and with the team showing a much more aggressive attacking approach under Quique Sánchez Flores. Toni Martínez’s recent form gives the hosts a genuine offensive threat, particularly at home.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona arrive after securing the league title and may rotate heavily following the celebrations. Even with their superior quality, a slight drop in intensity would not be surprising.
That combination points toward an open and entertaining game, with Alavés capable of finding the net multiple times against a potentially relaxed Barcelona side.