Espanyol was promoted to Spanish La Liga for the 2024–25 season on Sunday, June 2023. The club achieved this following a 2-0 win in the second-leg home match against Real Oviedo in the promotion play-off final.
Espanyol ended the season in fourth position. As a result of the win against Real Oviedo, they made their return to La Liga after one season in the lower division. Additionally, this marked the second occasion the Barcelona club has acquired promotion immediately following relegation. They had previously achieved the feat in 2020 and prior to that, their last relegation was back in 1994.
Javi Puado strikes twice as Espanyol beat Real Oviedo in promotion play-off final
Javi Puado netted two goals for Espanyol against Real Oviedo in the second leg of the promotion play-off final. His exceptional performance at the Stage Front Stadium helped Espanyol secure a 2-1 aggregate victory, ensuring his club’s return to top-tier football next season. In the first leg of the play-off, Oviedo had secured a 1-0 victory through Alemao’s goal in the 73rd minute at their home stadium.
Just before halftime, Puado evaded the player at the back post from a corner delivery. Ultimately, he managed to make a right-foot finish past Real Oviedo goalkeeper Leo Roman to equalize the aggregate score in the 44th minute. The 26-year-old attacking midfielder decisively shifted the momentum of the play-off before halftime by scoring his second goal just three minutes after his first. He successfully finished Pere Milla’s pass inside the box after receiving a lofted ball over the top in the injury time of the first half.
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