Espanyol 1 - 1 Recreativo Huelva

Espanyol v Recreativo Huelva: Preview

Updated: January 31, 2009, 11:43 AM UK

Striker Jose Callejon is urging his Espanyol team-mates to put their Copa del Rey disappointment behind them when they take on Recreativo Huelva in Primera Liga.

Espanyol lost to neighbours Barcelona on Thursday but must now concentrate on their relegation clash at home to Recreativo.

Callejon scored as a brave Espanyol outfit gave Barcelona a scare at the Nou Camp - where the hosts led 3-0, but Espanyol pulled back two goals. Another would have seen Mauricio's Pochettino's men advance to the semi-finals on away goals.

Espanyol are currently 19th, with just 16 points from 20 matches, and Callejon said: "We need the three points, because we can't let our direct rivals escape.

Of the Nou Camp defeat, he added: "That's gone now - we have to keep working and concentrate.

"We can't afford to drop any more points.''

He believes, however, that Espanyol should be highly encouraged by their cup exploits.

"When we went 3-0 down it looked as if they might thrash us, but we reacted well and almost got level - we can take confidence from that and will look to build on the form we showed in the second half,'' he said.

Espanyol drew 1-1 at Valladolid last weekend in Pochettino's first league game in charge, but the Catalans have failed to win in the league since the beginning of November.

Pochettino, a former Espanyol and Argentina defender, is their third coach of a tumultuous season.

Bartolome Marquez was sacked in November following a dreadful run of results - and his replacement, Mane, was dismissed earlier this month.

Espanyol are still missing key forwards Raul Tamudo and Ivan De La Pena with injury, while Sergio Sanchez misses tomorrow's match through suspension. Rufete and David Garcia are struggling with gastroenteritis and may also miss out.

Espanyol are set to sign Murcia's Uruguayan striker Ivan Alonso, although the player is unlikely to face Recre - who moved up to 15th with last weekend's 1-0 win at home to Real Betis.

That was their second successive victory, and coach Lucas Alcaraz said: "It would be great to get a third win - but it will be difficult.

"It's such an important game because of the situation both teams are in, and we know Espanyol will be fighting for their lives.''

Iago Bouzon and Javi Fuego are both suspended, so recent signings Alain Nef and Cristian Maidana could both make their debuts.

Having spent much of the season in the bottom three, Recre are six points clear of the relegation zone.