BARCELONA, Spain — The 2024/25 La Liga season will reach its climax on Saturday, May 24, when RCD Espanyol hosts UD Las Palmas at 5:30 PM local time at RCDE Stadium. This encounter promises to be critical for the home side’s survival in La Liga, while the visitors are looking to end their campaign on a high.
With Espanyol currently perched in the 17th position, they are one point away from the drop zone. A win is essential for them to secure their place in the top flight, while a draw could force them to rely on results from other fixtures. In stark contrast, Las Palmas has already confirmed its relegation and aims to depart La Liga with dignity.
This will be officiated by Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz, a 33-year-old referee from Galicia, marking his fourth season in La Liga. Muñiz Ruiz has encountered Espanyol in previous matches with mixed results — out of seven matches officiated, Espanyol has recorded two wins, two draws, and three defeats.
Despite his less than stellar relationship with the Espanyol side in previous seasons, this season has seen some success for the team under his guidance, notably their recent win against another contender.
Muñiz Ruiz’s officiating credentials are notable. He has overseen 75 matches across all competitions, resulting in 34 home wins, 22 draws, and 19 away wins. His disciplinary record includes 377 yellow cards and 25 red cards, averaging 5.03 and 0.33 per match, respectively. This season alone, he has issued 72 yellow and 6 red cards with averages of 0.32 each.
Las Palmas has had mixed results when facing Muñiz Ruiz, with a record of one win, one draw, and two losses across just four meetings. Their most recent performance against Mallorca resulted in a 3-2 defeat, showcasing their struggle this season.
On the VAR side, José Luis Munuera Montero will be in charge, a familiar figure in La Liga despite having not officiated any Espanyol matches in VAR this season. His experience spanned over several seasons, but primarily in matches where Espanyol has suffered defeats.
As the teams prepare for their encounter, Espanyol’s Manolo González acknowledges the pressure on his players. “We need to focus on our game and let the results play out in our favor—every point counts, especially at this stage,” he stated during a press conference.
On the flip side, Las Palmas coach Diego Martínez stated, “We want to give our fans a performance they can be proud of as we finish the season. It’s about respect and professionalism.” His team has battled through various injuries but is set to put forth a determined effort.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Espanyol, while Las Palmas seeks to play the role of spoilers. The atmosphere is expected to be electric among fans who know their respective fates hinge significantly on the outcome of this fixture.
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