Pere Milla and Kike García provide Espanyol's catharsis

Cornellá de LlobregatManolo González's cry was more of liberation than joy. Almost of redemption. With the 2-0 in stoppage time, the blue and white coach burst into tears. Finally, a victory. A purgative triumph that put an end to 142 long days of penance. The goals from Pere Milla and Kike García broke a streak of almost five months without a win for the parakeets and scared away the ghost of relegation that was nipping at their heels. They now have 42 points. It's not definitive, but yesterday they took a giant step towards survival.

Monchi and the butterfly effect

Also Monchi, the new sporting director of the periquitos, celebrated on the pitch at the end of the match. His signing for Espanyol, highly applauded, caused a butterfly effect culminating in the magical night against Athletic, a white and blue catharsis just as they were celebrating 20 years since Corominas' goal against La Real. The most important thing in the history of a club too accustomed to suffering. Just ask their fans, who have gone from looking for European flights with Ryanair to losing sleep over a goal from Levante in Balaídos. They will say that evenings like yesterday's justify everything.

And that's despite Athletic not coming to Barcelona to stroll. The Basques, who in 2015 thwarted the RCDE Stadium's first great night – they eliminated Espanyol in the Copa semi-finals – were playing for European qualification. Facing them, the need for an Espanyol. Carlos Romero, with a powerful shot that Unai Simón deflected with a great save, and Roberto, with a malicious spur touch, ignited the spirits of the periquitos.

Spanish is made of glass

The game started off on the right foot for the Catalans who, with more drive than football, were far superior to an overwhelmed Athletic Club. A goal seemed to be a matter of time, but a set-piece action undid the periquitos. They were saved by the crossbar and Urko González, who thwarted the 0-1 just before halftime. And by Cabrera, who in the last play of the first half, diverted a shot from Unai Gómez that crashed against the post with Dmitrovic already beaten. How fragile this team is.As the minutes passed, nerves began to surface and the invisible burden that Espanyol carries since the end of 2025 became heavier and heavier. Tension was also palpable in the stadium, while bad news from other grounds arrived via radio. One thing is clear: if Espanyol survives, it will be by their own merits. And that obliged them to win again, which is why Manolo brought on Jofre and Pere Milla. It paid off, because the iconic striker from Lérida was the hero. The white-and-blue top scorer anticipated the visiting defense to push a great cross from Carlos Romero into the net with 20 minutes left. It caused delirium in the RCDE Stadium, which went wild as rarely seen. A header against the post by Guruzeta instilled fear in the 30,000 fans who sang even louder for Kike García's 2-0 in stoppage time and, like Manolo, shouted with relief at the final whistle. More than one also shed tears. This is a day that will be remembered for years at Espanyol.