RCD Espanyol, faced with the opportunity for revenge against a Real Madrid that already knows what it is like to fall in Cornellà

Manolo González appeals to the fans and trusts in the determination of his team to repeat last season's feat against the whites.

The RCD Espanyol fans have today's date marked in red. Real Madrid returns to Cornellà-El Prat, a stage that evokes an indelible memory for the parakeet team. Last year, on a magical night on February 1, 2025, Carlos Romero's goal in the 85th minute not only gave the Blue and White the victory, but also became a milestone in Manolo González's career in the elite. That defeat by Real Madrid, which came at a moment of sweet form, resonated in Spanish football.

The RCD Espanyol coach, Manolo González, is cautious but optimistic. “Perhaps it is the ideal day for Real Madrid to come,” he anticipated, recognizing the difficulty of the match but also the winning mentality of his team. “Once you come to play, everyone wants to win. There is not going to be anyone from Madrid who comes to walk around, far from it,” he warned firmly.

González remembers the victory of the previous season with pride. “It's a tough game, but last year we were able to beat them here when they came at the best moment,” he said. Despite a streak of results that has not been what was expected, the coach fully trusts in the support of the fans. “The fans are going to be by the team,” he assured, lamenting the disappointment of the last match.

“The team, in terms of numbers and work, did everything they could to win the game; it is true that the second half was not good and I understand the fans' anger,” he admitted honestly, showing empathy towards the fans' feelings. The connection with the locker room seems to be a fundamental pillar for the coach.

Manolo González wanted to highlight the unity of the locker room, even revealing messages of support from players who are no longer at the club, like Braithwaite. “Even Braithwaite sent me an audio the other day. The moment the players don't love you, you don't matter here, it's not a matter of the locker room not being united,” the coach stressed, dispelling any doubts about the cohesion of the group.

The referee's appointment for the match has generated expectation. Jesús Gil, remembered for his controversial performance in Espanyol's last relegation at Mestalla, will be in charge of delivering justice. However, Manolo González prefers to focus on the team itself. “The last time he whistled at us was in Getafe and he refereed well,” he recalled, trying to downplay the refereeing factor. “Today is a day to focus on ourselves,” he said.

Manolo González's final appeal is to the fans, whom he considers “vital.” “Since I have been at Espanyol he has always been with us, I am convinced that he will be,” he declared with conviction. The coach looks towards the immediate future with determination: “When LaLiga is over, gather strength again and think about what is most appropriate for each person. Now it's time to push as hard as possible to achieve our goal.”

The match promises to be a high-tension duel, where RCD Espanyol will seek to emulate last year's feat and Real Madrid will try to exact revenge. Cornellà's passion and parakeet determination will be measured against the ambition of one of LaLiga's giants.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where was the match mentioned in the text played?: The text refers to a match played on February 1, 2025 in Cornellà-El Prat.
Who scored the decisive goal in RCD Espanyol's victory against Real Madrid last season?: The decisive goal was scored by Carlos Romero in the 85th minute.
Which coach currently directs RCD Espanyol according to the text?: The coach is Manolo González.
Which team is mentioned as RCD Espanyol's rival in the match?: The rival is Real Madrid.
How does Manolo González describe the importance of the fans for RCD Espanyol?: Manolo González considers the fans “vital” and is convinced that they will be supporting the team.
Who will be the referee of the match?: The designated referee is Jesús Gil.
Which RCD Espanyol player, who now plays for Gremio, sent a message of support to the team?: Braithwaite.
What main objective does RCD Espanyol set for the end of the season, according to the coach's words?: Press as hard as possible to get the goal forward.
In what context is Jesús Gil's performance in the past mentioned?: He is remembered for an infamous performance at Mestalla that contributed to Espanyol's latest relegation.
What message does the coach convey about locker room unity?: It conveys a message of total unity and support, indicating that the players trust it.