Espanyol Clinches LaLiga Safety with 2-0 Win Over Las Palmas

Espanyol secures LaLiga spot with 2-0 win over Las Palmas, thanks to Javi Puado's penalty and Pere Milla's late goal.

Javi Puado shone as Espanyol secured their LaLiga spot for another season with a 2-0 win over Las Palmas. The forward scored the opening goal and then assisted the second, helping his team triumph at the RCDE Stadium. This victory ensured Espanyol's safety, regardless of other results.

The win marked a significant relief for Espanyol, as they had been fighting to avoid relegation. Puado's 12th league goal of the season sparked celebrations, and his assist sealed the win, guaranteeing Espanyol's place in LaLiga for another year.

Las Palmas had two promising chances to take the lead early on, but Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia made crucial saves to deny them. He palmed away Enzo Loiodice's long-range shot and then repeated the feat when Manu Fuster unleashed a powerful shot after a swift counter-attack. However, just as Las Palmas' efforts were being thwarted, Espanyol's situation took a turn for the worse.

News arrived that Leganes had taken the lead 375 miles away, which would have sent Espanyol into the relegation zone due to an inferior head-to-head record against Leganes. This development heightened the tension for Espanyol fans and players alike.

The situation for Espanyol worsened as Leganes added two more goals before halftime, putting them 3-0 up. This news from afar intensified the pressure on Espanyol, who stepped up their efforts to find a breakthrough after the break. Despite their increased urgency, the team's chances remained limited.

In the dying minutes of the first half, Espanyol's best opportunity was snuffed out by Juanma Herzog, who cleared a promising cross from Jofre Carreras. The clearance denied Espanyol a potential scoring chance, leaving them to continue their search for a goal to secure their LaLiga survival.

The second half brought new hope for Espanyol, with Pere Milla having a promising chance that unfortunately sailed wide. Soon after, Las Palmas' Jaime Mata tested Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia with a well-placed shot that Garcia managed to save. The tension remained palpable as both teams pushed for a breakthrough.

FT: #EspanyolLasPalmas 2-0

Solid at the back and sharp up front—@RCDEspanyol_EN secure the win! 💪#LALIGAEASPORTS | #DesenlaceLALIGA pic.twitter.com/4BaouCRYX2

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 24, 2025

The turning point came in the 63rd minute when Dario Essugo brought down Alejo Veliz in the box, giving Espanyol a crucial penalty opportunity. Javi Puado, who had scored three of his last four league goals from the spot in the second half, stepped up confidently. With composure, he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and calmly slotted the ball into the net, giving Espanyol a lifeline in their fight for survival.

In a tactical move to secure the win, Espanyol coach Manolo Gonzalez brought on Alvaro Aguado, replacing Roberto, effectively opting to protect the lead. This decision paid off perfectly when, eight minutes from the end, a cross into the box was headed down by Javi Puado to Pere Milla, who calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net, securing the vital points for Espanyol.

Milla's finish sealed the 2-0 victory, ensuring Espanyol's safety in LaLiga. The win marked a significant relief for the team, who had been fighting to avoid relegation earlier in the season. Puado's involvement in both goals highlighted his importance to the team's success.

The win not only secured Espanyol's safety but also extended their impressive home record against Las Palmas, with seven wins in their last eight league meetings. For Las Palmas, the loss added to a dismal 2025 campaign, marked by just two wins, four draws, and 14 defeats. The team's defensive struggles were highlighted by their failure to keep a clean sheet in almost every match, with today's defeat being just another chapter in their challenging year.