A 121st-minute goal from a fourth-tier side ended Manolo Gonzalez’s tenure at Espanyol within hours.
Espanyol (6.40) have dismissed coach Manolo Gonzalez after a shock Copa del Rey loss to Sestao River (2.28). The LaLiga club sit 18th and had already lost five of Gonzalez’s last six games.
Goals And Heartbreak
Heavy rain turned the Las Llanas pitch almost unplayable. Espanyol still dominated possession with 61%. They also completed 321 accurate passes to Sestao’s 140.
Marcos Fernandez put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot after six minutes. Adri Carrion equalised in the 18th minute. Andoni Ugarte then gave Sestao a 2-1 lead in the 40th.
Espanyol levelled from another penalty in the 90th minute. Gabriel Moscardo then made it 3-2 in the 96th.
Sestao refused to fold. Ander Laka equalised two minutes later. Then came the decisive blow. Defender Jon Rojo forced a loose ball home in the 121st minute.
The goal sent Sestao into the next round. It also sent Espanyol’s season spiralling.
Gonzalez Pays The Price
Gonzalez had warned that his future was at stake before the match. Afterwards, he sounded broken.
“It’s one of the worst days of my life,” he said.
He also accepted the blame. He described himself as “completely shattered” and bearing “the full weight of responsibility.”
The club confirmed his exit within hours. It thanked him for his “professionalism and dedication.” Gonzalez took charge in March 2024 and led Espanyol to promotion within months.
He then kept them in LaLiga for two seasons. Espanyol finished 11th last term. In total, he managed 107 official games.
Recent form, however, cost him. Espanyol had taken one point from their previous 15 league games. On Sunday, newly promoted Racing Santander beat them 2-1. That left them in the relegation zone.
They have won just twice in all competitions this season. Their last six results include five defeats.
Owners Under Scrutiny
Espanyol’s ownership group, Velocity Sports Limited, made the call. American businessman Alan Pace leads the group. Former NFL star J.J. Watt is among its investors.
The group also owns English Championship side Burnley. Burnley sacked Nicky Hayen only four days earlier. Gonzalez is therefore the second coach VSL has dismissed this week.
VSL took control of Espanyol in October 2025. They replaced Chinese company Rastar Group as majority shareholder.
Supporters will now ask harder questions about stability. Gonzalez had received full backing from sporting director Monchi just months ago. That support evaporated quickly.
What Next?
Espanyol have named no replacement. Their next match is at Villarreal (1.44) on Friday 30 October. They must find a coach quickly.
Meanwhile, Sestao River will celebrate. Coach Angel Viadero’s side have won five and drawn one of their last six. They visit Coruxo in the Segunda Federacion on 1 November.
Espanyol now face a long fight to avoid relegation after a cup upset turned into a full-on crisis.
