Espanyol dismiss González after extra‑time Copa shock at Sestao River

Defender Jon Rojo struck in the 121st minute of extra‑time to give Sestao River a 4‑3 victory and eliminate Espanyol from the Copa del Rey, prompting the club to sack head coach Manolo González hours later on Tuesday 27 October 2026.

The match unfolded in heavy rain at Estadio Las Llanas, leaving the pitch almost unplayable. Marcos Fernández put Espanyol ahead from the penalty spot after six minutes, but Adri Carrión equalised in the 18th minute and Andoni Ugarte made it 2‑1 in the 40th, both after assists from Eneko Delgado Ginés. A second penalty in the 90th restored parity, Gabriel Moscardo gave a 3‑2 lead in the 96th, Ander Laka levelled two minutes later and Rojo’s late winner sealed the upset.

Statistical picture

Espanyol held 39 percent of possession against Sestao River’s 61 percent and completed 321 accurate passes to the visitors’ 140. The hosts managed six shots on target compared with nine for Sestao, while Marko Dmitrović made five saves to the hosts’ two.

EFE reported that Ugarte was the top‑rated player with an 8.5 score, despite the defeat. Defender Jon Rojo’s decisive strike came from a G. Zorrilla assist after he forced home a loose ball in the box.

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González’s tenure ends

Espanyol announced González’s dismissal, ending more than three seasons in charge. He reached his 100th official match against Sevilla on 7 September, making him the ninth‑longest‑serving coach in the club’s history.

Under González, Espanyol finished 11th in LaLiga in 2025/26 with 12 wins, 10 draws and 16 defeats, and Monchi had given him full backing at that stage. On the eve of the tie, González admitted the results were poor and vowed to fight for the club until his final day.

Before the cup tie, the team had taken only one point from fifteen available in LaLiga, and their last six results across all competitions comprised five defeats and one draw, with losses to Racing Santander, Atlético Madrid, Elche and Rayo Vallecano and a 1‑1 draw with Málaga.

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Espanyol now prepare for a LaLiga trip to Villarreal on Friday 30 October, while Sestao River travel to Coruxo in Segunda División RFEF Group 1 on Sunday 1 November. The Copa del Rey second round is scheduled for 2 December under the RFEF’s 2026/27 calendar.