Leandro Cabrera’s goal gives Espanyol 1-0 win at Villarreal

Cabrera settles a one-sided 1-0 result

Espanyol beat Villarreal 1-0 at Estadio de la Cerámica, with Leandro Cabrera’s 60th-minute goal deciding a match Villarreal largely controlled. Bryan Zaragoza supplied the assist, and Cabrera’s finish made the score 0-1.

Villarreal made two substitutions in the 59th minute, sending on Ayoze Pérez for Alberto Moleiro and Carlos Romero for Sergi Cardona Bermúdez. Espanyol responded with changes of its own shortly afterwards, but held on to the lead. Six yellow cards were shown, three to each team, while neither side received a red card. Bryan Zaragoza was booked in the 75th minute after assisting the goal.

Villarreal had the pressure, Espanyol had the result

The statistics pointed to Villarreal’s territorial dominance. The hosts had 63% possession, completed 503 accurate passes and attempted 14 shots, compared with Espanyol’s 37%, 263 accurate passes and five shots. Villarreal also led expected goals, 0.92 to 0.26, but Espanyol’s Ángel Fortuño made five saves to protect the advantage. Villarreal registered four shots on goal; Espanyol had three.

Fortuño was the standout performer, earning an 8.1 rating across 90 minutes and making those five saves. Cabrera also received a 7.6 rating after playing 90 minutes and scoring once.

Espanyol close the gap

Villarreal went into the game ranked #10 with 12 points from 10 games, while Espanyol were #18 with 8. After the result, Villarreal remain on 12 points from 11 games and Espanyol move to 11. Villarreal are now 1 point ahead of Espanyol, while Barcelona lead provisionally with 27 points.