BARCELONA, Spain — Espanyol go face Las Palmas on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 18:30 CET for a crucial match that will determine their fate for next season. After a strong start to April, where the team racked up wins, momentum has shifted as they slid into a five-game losing streak. They are now fighting to avoid relegation and must win this match to keep hopes of remaining in La Liga alive.
The team’s recent form has been disappointing, especially after a period where they seemed to have turned their season around. Coach Manolo González, who infused young talent into the squad, now faces the pressure, as the club’s recent financial troubles loom over them with the possibility of selling. This critical match presents an opportunity to revive their season despite recent setbacks.
The team finds itself in a precarious position, sitting just above the relegation zone with 39 points, needing a win against the already relegated Las Palmas. Historical context serves as a reminder; in both 2004 and 2006, Espanyol faced similar struggles but managed to stay up, bringing some hope to fans and players alike.
“We cannot afford to lose this one,” said coach González in a pre-match press conference. “It’s about surviving and showing that we can perform under pressure.” The players are well aware of what’s at stake. Star player Puado has been called upon to deliver, following his recent impressive form early in the season.
Looking back to 2004, Espanyol needed to defeat a relegated counterpart to secure their place. Luis Fernández, the coach at the time, recalls a similar nerve-wracking atmosphere. “It was do or die. We relied on our unity and experienced players,” he stated. The echoes of that season still resonate with this current squad. The lessons learned seem vital now as the team looks to replicate past successes in their hour of need.
In 2006, under different circumstances, the team found an exhilarating escape, clinching their survival in the added time of the last game. Coach Miguel Ángel Lotina remembers feelings of despair morphing into celebration after a last-ditch goal. “You play against not just the opponent, but against the clock and pressure,” Lotina reminisced. Faced again with high stakes, today’s team knows history is on their side.
For fans and the club, here’s hoping that the Espanyol spirit can shine bright once more, as they look to cement their place in La Liga. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and for Espanyol, it’s time to rise to the occasion.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
