Sestao eliminate Espanyol, putting Manolo’s position under pressure

Sestao River eliminated Espanyol with a 4-3 victory after extra time in the first round of the Copa del Rey. The defeat could seal the fate of Manolo González, Espanyol’s coach until now. Jon Rojo’s goal in the final minute of extra time settled a match full of twists.

Manolo made six changes from the side beaten by Racing de Santander, opting for experience and commitment. The teams were still finding their footing on a difficult pitch when Espanyol took the lead. Sestao responded: Castañeda tried a left-footed shot, but it went into the side netting.

At half-time, Manolo brought on Roberto. After the restart, Espanyol moved ahead through a powerful Moscardo strike from just outside the area. The hosts levelled two minutes later, Laka heading in a Chicharito free-kick. Espanyol then pushed into the opposition half and left space behind, while the home defence held firm for long stretches.

In the closing moments, the referee awarded Espanyol another penalty after Zearreta fouled Edu Expósito. Roberto converted, taking the match into extra time. With a penalty shootout seeming to loom, Rojo seized on a loose ball in the six-yard area and scored in the final minute to give Sestao the win.

The result comes as Espanyol sit 18th in La Liga with 8 points after 10 matches. Their record stands at 2 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats, with 12 goals scored and 14 conceded. In their last five league games, they have taken just one point and lost four times. The cup exit adds another setback to a difficult spell for Manolo’s side.