Espanyol: This season’s surprise package in LaLiga

The current La Liga standings show Barcelona leading by four points over Real Madrid, with Villarreal and Atlético Madrid close behind and competing in the UEFA Champions League. Notably, Espanyol is in fifth place, uniquely positioned in a battle for European qualification while focusing solely on the league, unlike rivals juggling multiple competitions.

Espanyol, founded in 1900, experienced early success but faded before reviving in the 2000s with Copa del Rey wins. After relegation in 2020, they promoted back, narrowly avoided relegation, suffered again in 2022/23, but quickly returned to La Liga via playoffs and secured survival last season. According to journalist Sergio Escario, the club's surprising success this season is attributed to sporting director Fran Garagarza's astute transfer dealings, reinvesting funds from a key sale to build a balanced squad.

Manager Manolo González, who started coaching as a teenager while working as a bus driver, took over Espanyol's first team in 2024 and led them to promotion. After ensuring survival, he now has fans dreaming of European football, including a potential first Champions League qualification, despite the club's recent challenges.

Despite losing a top goalkeeper and having a quiet transfer window, Espanyol has transformed into a strong defensive unit, conceding only 16 goals—second-best in La Liga—and leading in clean sheets. They employ a low-possession, direct style, avoiding mistakes and leveraging set-piece efficiency, with their last match conceding over two goals dating back to May 11.