Deportivo sit third in the Segunda Division with 56 points, pushing hard for automatic promotion back to La Liga. A win here could move them into the top two, which carry direct promotion without the uncertainty of the playoffs. They arrive in strong form — four wins, one draw and one loss from their last six — though they drew 1-1 away to Sporting Gijon at the weekend.

Cordoba, meanwhile, are 14th with 42 points — nine points off the playoff spots and safely above relegation — a team playing out the season with little urgency or cohesion. They are in dire form: six losses and one draw from their last seven matches. Their most recent outing saw them throw away a 2-0 home lead to draw 2-2 with Mirandes — conceding twice in the second half, a pattern that has become a recurring problem this season.

Cordoba have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 10 away matches, and 11 of their last 16 away games have produced over 2.5 goals. Their defence on the road has been one of the leakiest in the division.

The only notable injury concern for Deportivo is Mella. Cordoba travel with more disruption — Ortiz is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, while Alchedo, Fomeyem and Trilli are all sidelined through injury.

The historical context adds weight to Deportivo's motivation. Once a club that reached the Champions League semi-finals, their return to the top flight would be one of the more romantic stories in Spanish football. The Riazor — a stadium that once hosted World Cup games — will be a hostile environment for a Cordoba side with nothing to fight for.