Wolves comment: Kind draw for Nuno’s side in Europa League last 32

From a footballing and fans’ perspective, going up against Spanish side Espanyol very much seems to tick the boxes.

After all, on the pitch, things have not been going swimmingly for Pablo Machin’s charges.

Having won Group H, they obviously have something about them.

But in La Liga, Espanyol have been nothing short of woeful.

With just two wins all season in the league – both away – they are bottom of the table.

Machin has only been in charge since early October as well, after the sacking of David Gallego.

So, while they have time to put things right, this certainly looks like a winnable double-header for in-form Wolves.

And then from a supporters’ point of view, there are obvious plus points.

Espanyol are based on the outskirts of Barcelona – one of the most historic, picturesque and popular cities in Europe.

There are plenty of flights going there, although prices are rapidly rising.

But for those die-hard fans who either cannot afford to fly, or simply do not want to fly, driving over there is – while fairly gruelling – not out of the question.

Those looking to make a holiday out of the trip have plenty of scope to do so, and Wolves should get a decent allocation at the RCDE Stadium.

In line with Uefa guidelines, the away side must be given at least five per cent of the capacity.

And at Espanyol, that would be 2,000 as the ground holds 40,000.

It is fair to presume Wolves will get more than that for the second leg on February 27 – following the first leg at Molineux on February 20 – though.

That is because Espanyol – firmly in the shadow of Lionel Messi & Co at Barcelona in terms of support – rarely fill their home.

Their average league attendance last season was 27,000, and backing in the Europa has been significantly lower than that.

Adding up the attendance from their three group stage games at the RCDE – against Ludogorets, Ferencvaros and CSKA Moscow – you get 42,703, which gives an average of 14,234. The ground could well become a sea of gold and black.

Espanyol, it must be said, are no strangers to European competition, though.

They have got to the final of the Europa – when it was known as the Uefa Cup – twice.

In 2007, they lost out to fellow Spanish outfit Sevilla on penalties.

They suffered the same fate in 1988 as well, with Bayer Leverkusen beating them on penalties that time.

Espanyol have some good players in their ranks, too.

Veteran goalkeeper Diego Lopez counts Real Madrid and AC Milan as former clubs, Victor Sanchez won the Champions League with Barcelona and Facundo Ferreyra is a Jorge Mendes client.

All things considered, though, Wolves must be considered the favourites going into this double-header.

After losing their opening Group K game at home to Braga, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men went five unbeaten as they made it to the knockout stages.

They signed off in fantastic fashion by smashing four past Besiktas, flexing their muscles.

And let’s not forget the perfect run in the qualifiers – winning six from six including two against a well-drilled Torino team.

Make no mistake, Espanyol will not be looking forward to facing Wolves.

Nuno, meanwhile, is not one to look too far ahead.

But, deep down, the chief and his inner circle will be feeling quietly confident.

Wolves could have been drawn against Ajax, Inter Milan, Benfica, Porto or serial Europa-winners Sevilla.

They fancy their chances against any side, but you cannot deny the draw has been kind.

Nuno's lot winning is not a given, of course, and Espanyol might undergo a drastic improvement between now and late February.

Still, the smart money is on Wolves extending the European adventure even further.