Espanyol Ends Long Winless Streak During Intense Relegation Battle

May 14, 2026, 18:45
EuropeSports

Introduction

RCD Espanyol achieved a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club on Wednesday, finally ending a streak of 18 matches without a win in 2026.

Main Body

The game was decided by goals from Pere Milla and Kike García, who scored in the 91st minute. This result ends a difficult period for the club, which dropped from a top-six position in February to nearly the relegation zone. This winless run lasted 143 days; consequently, the University of Vic used the club's performance as a case study to analyze mental blocks and how athletes perform under extreme pressure. Manager Manolo González emphasized that this period caused extreme psychological stress for the team. He compared the professional pressure to a deep personal loss, noting that the players' careers were at risk. Furthermore, the league is currently very unstable, as many teams are separated by only a few points. At present, 13 teams could still be relegated, with only three points separating 12th and 19th place. Meanwhile, other changes in the table show Sevilla moving up to 10th place. Although Levante briefly left the relegation zone, they dropped back down after Sevilla won. These rapid changes suggest that although Espanyol has finally won, their position in the league remains dangerous.

Conclusion

Espanyol is currently in 14th place with 42 points and will play their final matches against Osasuna and Real Sociedad.

Learning

The Power of 'Connecting' Words

At an A2 level, you usually write short, simple sentences: "Espanyol did not win for 143 days. The University of Vic studied them."

To reach B2, you need to stop writing like a list and start writing like a flow. The article uses Logical Connectors to show how one idea leads to another. This is the 'secret sauce' of fluency.

⚡ The 'Cause & Effect' Bridge

Look at this phrase: "...this winless run lasted 143 days; consequently, the University of Vic used the club's performance as a case study..."

Consequently is a B2-level upgrade for "so."

  • A2: It rained, so the game stopped.
  • B2: There was a heavy storm; consequently, the match was postponed.

🔄 The 'Adding More' Bridge

Instead of saying "and" or "also" every time, the text uses Furthermore.

"...players' careers were at risk. Furthermore, the league is currently very unstable..."

Use Furthermore when you want to add a second, stronger point to your argument. It tells the reader: "I'm not done yet; here is more important information."

⚖️ The 'Contrast' Bridge

Notice the use of Although: "Although Levante briefly left the relegation zone, they dropped back down..."

The B2 Trick: While A2 students put "but" in the middle of two sentences, B2 students start the sentence with Although to create a complex structure.

Try this shift:

  • Basic: I studied hard, but I failed the test.
  • B2 Bridge: Although I studied hard, I failed the test.

Quick Summary for your Notebook:

  • So →\rightarrow Consequently
  • And/Also →\rightarrow Furthermore
  • But →\rightarrow Although

Vocabulary Learning

victory (n.)
a win in a competition or contest.
Example:The team's victory in the final match secured their promotion.
streak (n.)
a series of consecutive events, often successes or failures.
Example:Her winning streak lasted five games.
intense (adj.)
very strong or extreme in degree.
Example:The match was an intense battle from start to finish.
relegation (n.)
the process of moving a team to a lower division because of poor results.
Example:Avoiding relegation was the club's main goal this season.
decided (adj.)
determined or settled after consideration.
Example:The game was decided by a last‑minute goal.
goals (n.)
points scored in sports like football.
Example:He scored two goals in the match.
dropped (v.)
to fall or move down in rank.
Example:The team dropped from the top‑six position.
position (n.)
a place or rank in a list or competition.
Example:They moved up to the 10th position.
unstable (adj.)
not steady or reliable; subject to change.
Example:The league standings were unstable this season.
separated (adj.)
kept apart or distinct from others.
Example:Teams were separated by only a few points.
points (n.)
units of score awarded for performance.
Example:They earned 42 points in the season.
final (adj.)
last or concluding in a series.
Example:They will play their final matches next week.
matches (n.)
games or contests between teams.
Example:The team has several matches left.
performance (n.)
how well someone does something.
Example:His performance improved after training.
mental (adj.)
relating to the mind or emotions.
Example:Mental fatigue affected the players.
blocks (n.)
obstacles or barriers that hinder progress.
Example:The coach addressed mental blocks in the team.
pressure (n.)
stress or demand that can affect performance.
Example:The pressure of the final game was intense.
professional (adj.)
relating to a profession or high skill level.
Example:He gave a professional opinion.
deep (adj.)
extremely large, intense, or profound.
Example:She felt a deep sense of loss.
personal (adj.)
related to an individual or their private life.
Example:It was a personal challenge for him.
risk (n.)
the possibility of loss, harm, or danger.
Example:The risk of injury was high.
rapid (adj.)
happening quickly or fast.
Example:Rapid changes occurred in the standings.
dangerous (adj.)
likely to cause harm or risk.
Example:The situation was dangerous for the team.
extreme (adj.)
very intense or severe.
Example:The extreme heat affected the players.
psychological (adj.)
relating to the mind, emotions, or mental state.
Example:Psychological stress can impact performance.