Espanyol won 1–0 away to Villarreal through Leandro Cabrera’s second-half goal, ending a turbulent week with three points. Bryan Zaragoza supplied the cross for the only goal. Sergio García led the team on an interim basis while newly appointed coach Eder Sarabia watched from the stands during a two-match suspension.
Sports··Midday
Cabrera turns Zaragoza’s cross into three points
Espanyol beat Villarreal 1–0 away in Spain’s La Liga through a second-half goal by defender Leandro Cabrera. Winger Bryan Zaragoza supplied the cross for the only goal at Estadio de La Cerámica in Villarreal. Cabrera’s finish in the 60th minute gave the visitors an advantage they protected for the rest of the game, taking all three league points.[1], [2]
Sergio García took temporary charge of Espanyol for the match. New head coach Eder Sarabia was serving a two-match suspension and watched from a private box at the stadium. García gave Alejandro Santiago his official debut and included midfielder Rafèl Bauza. Later, Jan Peries also came on to make his debut as Espanyol worked to hold on to their lead.[1]
A goalless first half
Roberto Fernández headed wide for Espanyol in the opening minutes. The visitors kept their defensive lines close together and looked to move forward after winning the ball, while Villarreal had to wait until the 25th minute for a first shot. Zaragoza threatened with an individual move, and visiting goalkeeper Ángel Fortuño saved a close-range attempt from Villarreal defender Sergi Cardona.[1]
Villarreal had made an early change, replacing forward Gerard Moreno with Nicolas Pépé in the 18th minute. Pépé later shot wide from distance in the final action before the interval. Espanyol then came out with a renewed attacking threat after half-time. Fernández found the net from a counterattack early in the second half, but his effort did not stand. The score remained 0–0 until the later breakthrough.[1]
Espanyol defend the narrow advantage
Zaragoza’s later delivery reached Cabrera, whose finish this time counted. Espanyol then tried to keep possession and maintain a compact defensive shape against Villarreal’s advances. The hosts introduced Ayoze and Carlos Romero for Alberto Moleiro and Cardona, then brought on Alex Freeman and Tani Oluwaseyi in the closing stages. Espanyol used Pol Lozano, José Ángel, Javi Puado and Gabriel Moscardo among their substitutes, seeing out the match without conceding.[1]
