Espanyol's first chance to stay in the league

Just a few points away from securing survival, a fundamental objective for Espanyol and one that almost everyone considers a heroic feat given the club's current circumstances, Manolo González's team, who played his 50th game for the club in Valencia , will have an extra chance today in the postponed match against Villarreal , which was postponed due to the rain that hit Castellón at the time. With 39 points, a win would provide definitive peace of mind with five games remaining, something no one believed at the start of the season.

The blue and white team arrives at the Yellows' ground in the best form of the season, having achieved two draws and three victories (the victories have been consecutive) and the acceleration in the table suggests an optimistic end to the season.

Villarreal, the worst host of the top teams

In any case, the Espanyol locker room isn't relaxing. Until the numbers confirm this, Espanyol doesn't consider itself saved, and both players and coaching staff insist they won't lower their standards. Against Villarreal, coach Manolo González's players face a real test of their ambition and competitiveness.

Villarreal is the worst host of the top teams, with 22 points. On paper, the Blue and Whites don't look like the best opponent to boost their home record, as they've improved away from home: they're coming off away wins against Rayo Vallecano (0-4), Celta Vigo (0-2), and a 1-1 draw against Valencia.

“It's a very difficult match. I compare it to going to the Bernabéu, the Camp Nou, or Atlético de Madrid. It's extremely difficult, and if you're not feeling well, the reality check could be significant,” said Manolo González, who also noted that one of the keys to the match is being “reliable,” knowing where to put the ball, and having “courage.” “It's very demanding,” he summed up in a press conference.

The Blue and Whites' coach, on the other hand, applauded the players for their work and commitment throughout the campaign: "They're the protagonists; it's a success for the players, who've done a spectacular job. Without their work, the rest of us here wouldn't be able to do anything. This year has been, and continues to be, tough."

The Villarreal match is a great opportunity to put an end to the club's primary objective, allowing them to focus on planning for next season with greater peace of mind.