Following a 2-2 draw with Valencia on Sunday evening, Espanyol’s fate has been sealed. The Catalan club have been relegated and will play in the Segunda División next season. They needed to beat Valencia to give themselves a chance on the final matchday against Almería, but following the draw the game is simply a formality for them. Almería are still very much embroiled in the relegation battle.
Espanyol’s poor defence was their undoing. They conceded the joint most goals in the league (66), the same as Elche who have been relegated since the beginning of May. They have also scored as many goals as fourth-placed Real Sociedad, but it was not enough.
Espanyol lasted two seasons in La Liga, following their promotion in 2021. They will be hoping for a quick return to the Spanish top flight, but it may be difficult. Despite the team’s poor season, striker Joselu managed 16 league goals. He will be on the radar of many clubs this summer and Espanyol will struggle to keep him, with Real Madrid being heavily linked with the 33-year-old.
Japtej Ghura | GSFN
