- Third straight clean sheet propels Espanyol to 12th position
- On-loan defender Marash Kumbulla scores decisive first-half header
- Getafe's Christantus Uche dismissed for dangerous 60th-minute challenge
Espanyol's resurgence under manager Manolo González reached new heights Friday night as the Barcelona-based club secured a strategic 1-0 victory over Getafe. This hard-fought win marks their third consecutive triumph without conceding a goal, a defensive streak unmatched by any La Liga team in Matchdays 29-31.
The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when Albanian international Marash Kumbulla, on loan from AS Roma, rose highest to meet a precision corner kick. This marked the center-back's first goal in Spanish football, demonstrating González's tactical emphasis on set-piece execution.
Getafe's comeback hopes evaporated in the 60th minute when Nigerian defender Christantus Uche received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Espanyol winger Braithwaite. This dismissal continues Getafe's league-worst disciplinary record of 14 red cards since 2022.
Industry analysts note Espanyol's transformation follows González's midseason switch to a 5-3-2 formation. The system maximizes their aerial dominance, with the Catalan club winning 68% of defensive duels during this winning streak compared to their season average of 54%.
A regional case study reveals Espanyol's revival mirrors Deportivo Alavés' 2018 survival campaign, where compact defensive organization helped overcome early-season struggles. This approach proves particularly effective in Spain's second-tier cities, where clubs often prioritize defensive solidity over expansive play.
With 12th position secured, Espanyol now sits six points clear of the drop zone. However, upcoming fixtures against Athletic Bilbao and Atlético Madrid will test their newfound defensive resilience. González's men have already surpassed last season's clean sheet total with eight matches remaining.