RCD Espanyol suffered their second defeat of the LaLiga EA Sports season, losing 2-1 to Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena. The pericos, now tenth in the table with 3 points, were undone by an early home goal and couldn't complete a comeback after drawing level.
The match details were reported by Marca - Primera. The fixture, played this week, started in the worst possible way for Manolo González's side. In the 4th minute, Barrenetxea opened the scoring for the hosts, capitalizing on a loss of possession from the visitors. Espanyol struggled to establish their game for much of the first half but managed to react before the break.
How did Espanyol respond to the early goal?
The answer came from two of their most in-form players. Javi Hernández, the homegrown talent who is adapting impressively to the top flight, provided his third assist in as many matches. His pass was finished by Roberto Fernández, who scored his third goal of the campaign to make it 1-1 by halftime. This moment of quality showed the team's attacking capability, having scored 5 goals in total this season.
However, the second half again revealed a persistent weakness. Real Sociedad, more solid at home, regained the lead with a goal from Oskarsson. Espanyol couldn't find a way to create clear chances for a second equalizer and ended up with their second consecutive away defeat. This result leaves the team 4 points behind the leaders, Atlético de Madrid, in the overall standings.
Why is the Reale Arena a problem for Espanyol?
The loss in San Sebastián is not an isolated event. The Reale Arena, formerly known as Anoeta, has been a difficult ground for Espanyol for several seasons. The team consistently fails to pick up points on this visit, a pattern that repeated itself once again. Manolo González and his coaching staff have the pending task of improving performances away from the RCDE Stadium, where the team feels more comfortable and supported by their fans.
The season's numbers, which you can check on our stats page, show a tight balance: 5 goals for and 4 against, with a +1 goal difference. But the away record, with two losses in two games, is dragging down their position in the standings. Breaking this pattern will be essential for aiming higher.
What's next for Manolo González's team?
The schedule offers an immediate chance to get back on track. The next fixture is at home against Sevilla on September 6, 2026. The Andalusian side arrives as the fifth-placed team, making it a high-demand test. Playing at the RCDE Stadium, in front of their own fans, must be the boost the players need to start winning again.
Planning for that match is already underway. González will need to analyze the errors in distribution and defensive solidity shown at the Reale Arena. The continuity of in-form men like Javi Hernández and Roberto Fernández will be key. Fans can follow the preparation and lineup through our squad section. A victory against Sevilla would not only add points but restore confidence to a group that shows it can score but needs more consistency on the road.
