Espanyol beats Villarreal 1-0 under interim coach Sergio García

Turmoil before the trip

Espanyol went into the match in a deep slump. The club dismissed coach Manolo González after a Copa del Rey elimination against Sestao River, which came three days before the trip to Villarreal. Europa Press says the team had gone six league matches without a win, while El Periódico counts five. Sergio García, a former striker who had been coaching the reserve side, took charge on an interim basis. The newly appointed coach, Eder Sarabia, watched from the stands while serving a suspension from his time at Elche.

Before the match, Sergio García had said he would set the team up with his own ideas, and El Periódico reports that the side followed that plan without interference from above.

Team selection and the academy

Sergio García left out Riedel, Urko and Cala, a decision La Vanguardia describes as technical rather than injury related. Cala had been signed in the summer for 5 million. All three started against Sestao River, and only Riedel played the full 121 minutes there. The coach fielded six academy players in the starting lineup and moved Bauza into a more central role. Alejandro Santiago, a 19-year-old left winger from Gavà, made his debut in the top flight and was replaced by Jan Peries in the 77th minute.

The match

Gerard Moreno was injured after 18 minutes and replaced by Nicolás Pépé, who later had two strong shots that passed close to the crossbar and the post. Villarreal controlled possession with 63%, according to Europa Press, and had the more attempts, but a powerful shot from Cardona struck Espanyol goalkeeper Angel Fortuño. Roberto Fernández scored in the 49th minute, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review found a foul in the build-up. Leandro Cabrera put Espanyol ahead in the 60th minute, assisted by Bryan Zaragoza, and the team held on for the win. Referee José Sánchez officiated, and La Vanguardia notes that Espanyol had not beaten Villarreal since January 2020. Europa Press counts it as Villarreal's third defeat at home.

Table position

Europa Press puts Espanyol on 14 points after 11 matches, 11th in the table, and Villarreal on 12 points in 10th place. SAPO gives Espanyol 11 points and 12th place, so the two sources differ on the club's standing. Barcelona lead the table with 27 points after 10 matches, according to Europa Press. With 27 matchdays still to play, neither side is mathematically qualified for European places or at risk of relegation, Europa Press reports.

Espanyol14

Villarreal12

Espanyol

14 points

Villarreal

12 points

Data from the article text

SAPO reports that Eder Sarabia will lead Espanyol's next training session.