Espanyol Emerge Victorious in Bilbao to Extend Winning Streak and Challenge Top Four

Key Takeaways:

• Espanyol achieved a fifth successive La Liga win with a 2:1 comeback at Athletic Bilbao in the final fixture of the 17th round
• The Catalan side ended a run of four games without a win against Athletic Bilbao
• Espanyol moved up to 33 points in fifth place, just two behind the top four, while Athletic remained eighth with 23 points

Match Analysis: Tactical Resilience Sees Espanyol Claim Three Points

Espanyol orchestrated an impressive turnaround on their visit to San Mamés, overcoming Athletic Bilbao 2:1 in the concluding match of La Liga’s 17th round. The victory marked Espanyol’s fifth consecutive win in the competition, simultaneously bringing an end to a four-game winless streak against their Basque opposition.

Five in a row 🤯
What a way to end the year!
I LOVE YOU, RCD ESPANYOL! 🤍💙 pic.twitter.com/oJu7iXavcC

— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol_EN) December 22, 2025

Despite dominating possession and offensive pressure for large parts of the match, Athletic Bilbao ultimately found themselves frustrated by a disciplined and opportunistic Espanyol side. The hosts took the initiative with a goal in the 38th minute: following a protracted contest on the fringes of the penalty area, Iñaki Williams fired towards goal and Alex Berenguer was quickest to react to the rebound, steering the ball into the net.

Crucial Moments: Espanyol Respond with Swift Turnaround

The visitors wasted no time in clawing their way back. Merely six minutes after conceding, Espanyol levelled the score. A cleared free-kick landed at the feet of Carlos Romero, who unleashed a remarkable volley from the edge of the box to equalise in the 44th minute.

Espanyol’s comeback was completed in the 53rd minute. Tyrhys Dolan seized the ball from Adama Boiró and instantly sparked an assault, delivering the ball towards goal, where Pere Milla finished from close range to put the visitors ahead.

Although the Lions pressed in search of an equaliser for the remainder of the encounter, Espanyol’s resolute defence ensured the scoreline remained unchanged.

Standings and Implications

This result strengthens Espanyol’s grip on fifth place, closing the gap to the top four to just two points. Meanwhile, Athletic remain in eighth position in the Spanish top flight, their tally unchanged at 23 points.