Overview
- Álex Berenguer put Athletic ahead before halftime, Carlos Romero equalised with a long-range volley, and Pere Milla struck early in the second half for Espanyol.
- The victory marks Espanyol’s fifth consecutive LaLiga win, strengthening their push for European qualification.
- Espanyol move into fifth place in the table, narrowing the gap to fourth-place Villarreal to two points.
- Athletic controlled close to two thirds of possession and registered nearly twice as many shots but struggled to break down a well-organised defence.
- The result leaves Athletic eighth as an inconsistent run meets a demanding January schedule that includes five straight away games plus the Spanish Super Cup and Champions League commitments.