Relegation Bites: Leganés' Win Over Valladolid Comes Too Late

Leganés' 3-0 win over Valladolid on the final matchday wasn't enough to save them from relegation, as Espanyol's win in Barcelona sealed their fate.

Leganés' 3-0 win over Valladolid on the final matchday wasn't enough to save them from relegation. Despite a convincing victory, the team fell short of the points needed to secure their spot in LaLiga.

In a bid to avoid the drop, Leganés launched an aggressive attack from the start, probing Valladolid's defensive setup for an opening. The team needed a win to harbor any hope of survival, and they dominated the match against the already-relegated Valladolid side.

Yan Diomande's energetic play nearly created the first significant chance after 15 minutes, but goalkeeper Karl Hein was alert, smothering the ball. Hein followed up with a smart save to deny Dani Raba minutes later.

Leganés took a crucial step towards safety with a breakthrough goal in the 25th minute. Javi Hernandez scored with a side-footed effort into the top corner, giving Los Pepineros the advantage. Despite a potential goal being ruled out for offside against Seydouba Cisse, Leganés quickly asserted their dominance. The match's outcome was still vital for Leganés, as Espanyol remained goalless against Las Palmas, keeping Los Pepineros' fate uncertain.

FT: #LeganésRealValladolid 3-0@CDLeganes_en triumph over Real Valladolid with a brilliant performance at Butarque Stadium! 👏#LALIGAEASPORTS | #DesenlaceLALIGA pic.twitter.com/q435TOs9ma

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 24, 2025

Diomande showcased impressive skill as he skillfully maneuvered past Valladolid's defense before confidently slotting the ball home. He then doubled his impact with a second assist, expertly setting up Juan Cruz at the back post after a parried shot from Hein.

At halftime, Leganés was in control, having built a commanding lead over the struggling Blanquivioletas. Valladolid, already at the bottom of the table, was on the verge of extending its record-breaking losing streak to 12 matches in LaLiga, while Leganés seemed poised to secure the win.

In the second half, Dani Raba posed a threat with a low shot, but the attention of the home crowd shifted to Barcelona, where Espanyol took the lead after 65 minutes. This development had a significant impact on Leganés, as they slipped back into the relegation zone.

The match at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque became somewhat subdued, with Valladolid already relegated and Leganés unable to influence the league standings further. Despite the lack of intensity, the home team maintained their 3-0 lead, securing a comfortable win, albeit one that ultimately proved insufficient to avoid relegation.

The match meandered towards its predictable outcome, but a late twist in the form of a second Espanyol goal dashed Leganés' slim hopes of survival. Despite a decent run of form, with just two losses in their last nine games, the Pepineros couldn't escape relegation.

The defeat meant Leganés and Valladolid would be reunited in the second tier after just one season in LaLiga, having both gained promotion together last year. Valladolid's campaign was marked by struggles in defense, conceding a league-high 90 goals. The Blanquivioletas' relegation was sealed by a dismal run, earning just one point from their final 19 games.