Espanyol claimed a commanding 2-0 victory over Athletic Club at RCDE Stadium, with late goals from Pere Milla and Kike García sealing a crucial win in the battle for La Liga survival.
Espanyol entered the match sitting 16th in La Liga with 39 points from 35 games. Athletic Club occupied ninth place with 44 points. Both teams needed positive results as the season reached its final stretch. Espanyol's recent form read poorly with just one win in five games.
The opening half saw Espanyol dominate possession, controlling 63 percent of the ball. However, clear-cut chances remained limited for both sides. Athletic Club pressed high and created dangerous moments despite having less of the ball.
Espanyol's goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović made four saves throughout the match, proving crucial in keeping the visitors at bay. The home side's defense held firm under pressure. Neither team found the breakthrough before the interval.
At halftime, the score remained goalless. Espanyol needed to convert their territorial advantage into actual goals. Athletic Club looked to exploit spaces on the counter-attack in the second period.
The deadlock broke in the 69th minute when Pere Milla fired Espanyol ahead. Milla's arrival as a substitute changed the match's complexion. His composed finish gave the home crowd something to celebrate.
Milla's goal shifted momentum decisively toward Espanyol. The midfielder's entry injected fresh energy into the hosts' attack. Athletic Club struggled to respond to the breakthrough.
Kike García sealed the victory in stoppage time at the 90+2 minute mark. García's goal came after Athletic Club's defense weakened in the closing stages. The second strike ended any hopes of a visitor comeback.
Espanyol finished with 12 total shots, five of which found the target. Athletic Club managed 11 shots with four on target. Expected goals favored Athletic Club at 0.82 compared to Espanyol's 0.76, yet the hosts' clinical finishing proved decisive.
Urko González impressed for Espanyol with a rating of 7.9, making three tackles. Leandro Cabrera also featured prominently in the home defense. Both players contributed to shutting out Athletic Club's attacking threat.
The victory moves Espanyol closer to securing their La Liga status for another season. Athletic Club's ninth-place finish remains secure despite the defeat. Espanyol will look to build momentum from this strong performance.
