When Espanyol beat Sevilla 2-1 on November 24, 2025, at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella, Spain, it wasn’t just another three points—it was the end of a 12-match psychological stranglehold. For over four years, Sevilla had refused to lose to their Catalan rivals, racking up eight wins and four draws without a single defeat. That streak? Gone. And it happened in dramatic fashion, with Pere Milla breaking the deadlock in the 48th minute, Roberto Fernández sealing it in the 84th, and Sevilla’s Marcão pulling one back two minutes later. The final whistle didn’t just end the match—it ended an era.
The Streak That Couldn’t Be Broken—Until Now
Sevilla’s dominance over Espanyol wasn’t just statistical; it was cultural. Since 2021, every time these two met in LaLiga, Sevilla walked away with something—either three points or at least a draw. Fans in Seville celebrated it like a tradition. In Cornella, it was a punch in the gut. The last time Espanyol beat Sevilla? March 2021. A 1-0 win. That’s it. In the 12 meetings since, Sevilla had outshot them, outpassed them, outlasted them. Even in losses, they held firm. Until this night.How It Unfolded: Goals, Grit, and Last-Minute Drama
The first half was a cagey affair. Neither side could find rhythm. Edu Exposito, Espanyol’s creative engine, had six big chances this season—more than any teammate—but couldn’t convert early. At halftime, the scoreboard read 0-0. The crowd, already restless, grew louder as the second half began. Then, in the 48th minute, a moment of brilliance. A long ball from the back found Pere Milla sprinting into the box. He took one touch, feinted past two defenders, and fired low past Sevilla’s keeper. The stadium exploded. It was his first goal of the season—and his first against Sevilla in six attempts. Sevilla responded with urgency. Alexis Sánchez and Nemanja Gudelj pushed forward, but Espanyol’s defense held firm. Then, in the 84th minute, the home side struck again. A quick counter, a one-two between Roberto Fernández and T. Dolan, and Fernández slotted it home. 2-0. The win felt inevitable. But Sevilla, ever stubborn, had one last gasp. In the 86th minute, Marcão—subbed on just minutes before—headed in a cross from G. Suazo. 2-1. The visitors sensed blood. Gudelj’s long-range effort in the 90+8’ minute was blocked, but the tension was palpable. The final whistle came amid a chorus of boos and cheers.The Standings Shift: Espanyol Climb, Sevilla Struggles
The result reshuffled the LaLiga table. Espanyol, now with 21 points from 13 matches (6 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses), tied with Real Betis for sixth place. Sevilla? Still stuck in 11th with 16 points (5 wins, 1 draw, 7 losses). Their goal difference of -2 is the worst among the top half. They’ve now gone winless in their last three away games. Meanwhile, Espanyol’s recent form has been a rollercoaster: a 2-1 loss to Alavés, a 2-0 defeat to Villarreal, then three straight wins—including this one. They’ve scored seven goals in their last five matches, but here’s the twist: they’ve also conceded the most penalties in LaLiga this season—five. That’s not sustainable. Coach Alberto Toril knows it. His team is dangerous, but sloppy.
What This Means for Both Clubs
For Espanyol, this win is a psychological reset. After years of being the underdog in this fixture, they’ve finally flipped the script. It’s not just about points—it’s about belief. Pere Milla and Roberto Fernández are now cult heroes in Cornella. The club’s 2025-2026 campaign, once written off as a relegation battle, now looks like a fight for Europe. For Sevilla, it’s a wake-up call. They’re still in the top half, but their defensive lapses are costing them. Their midfield, once a strength, is now predictable. Coach Julen Lopetegui has to ask: Why does this team keep crumbling in the final 15 minutes? They’ve dropped points in five of their last six away games.What’s Next?
Espanyol travel to Athletic Club on November 28, 2025, looking to extend their momentum. Sevilla host Real Sociedad the same day—must-win territory. Both teams face a brutal December: Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid await. The margin for error? Gone.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Reborn
The head-to-head record still favors Sevilla: 20 wins, 8 draws, only 4 losses to Espanyol since the clubs first met in 1929. But history doesn’t win games—people do. And on November 24, 2025, Espanyol’s players decided they were done being the team that always lost. The next time these sides meet? The narrative has changed.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this win for Espanyol’s season?
This win is a turning point. Espanyol had been hovering near the relegation zone before their three-match winning streak. With 21 points and a +1 goal difference, they’re now in the European qualification conversation. More importantly, beating Sevilla—a team they hadn’t defeated in over four years—boosts morale and confidence in a squad that’s struggled with consistency.
Why did Sevilla lose despite their historical dominance?
Sevilla’s recent form has been inconsistent, especially away from home. Their midfield lacked creativity, and their defense collapsed under pressure in the final 20 minutes. They’ve conceded late goals in five of their last seven matches. This wasn’t a tactical failure—it was a mental one. Espanyol played with desperation; Sevilla played with complacency.
Who were the key players in the match?
Pere Milla opened the scoring with his first goal of the season, while Roberto Fernández sealed the win with a clinical finish. For Sevilla, Marcão gave them hope with a late header, but their captain, Nemanja Gudelj, was largely neutralized. Edu Exposito created six big chances this season—more than any Espanyol player—though he didn’t score here.
What does this mean for the LaLiga title race?
Not much directly, but it impacts the race for Europe. Atlético Madrid leads with 28 points, but Espanyol’s win keeps them in the top six, just two points behind Real Betis. Sevilla’s drop to 11th makes a top-four finish unlikely. This result reinforces that the mid-table battle is wide open—with Espanyol suddenly looking like a dark horse.
Is Espanyol’s penalty problem a concern?
Absolutely. Espanyol have conceded five penalties this season—more than any other team in LaLiga. That’s not luck; it’s defensive disorganization. Their center-backs are too aggressive in the box, and their fullbacks overcommit. If they don’t fix this, their strong form could unravel quickly, especially against teams like Real Madrid or Barcelona who punish mistakes ruthlessly.
When is the next Espanyol vs. Sevilla match?
The next meeting is scheduled for April 5, 2026, at Sevilla’s Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. By then, both teams will have played 10 more matches. If Espanyol maintains this form, they’ll go into that game as clear favorites for the first time in over a decade. For Sevilla, it’ll be a must-win just to stay relevant in the top half.