Espanyol clinched promotion to La Liga for the 2024-25 season following a decisive 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo in the second leg of the promotion play-off final held on Sunday.
Javi Puado proved instrumental with a first-half brace at Stage Front Stadium, sealing a 2-1 aggregate triumph and marking a return to Spain's top-tier football for his childhood club.
The win was pivotal for Espanyol, who finished the regular season in fourth place, ensuring an immediate rebound to La Liga after their relegation the previous season.
This achievement marks the second time the Barcelona-based club has swiftly returned to La Liga, previously accomplishing the feat in 2020. Prior to that, their last relegation occurred in 1994.
Puado capitalized on a corner just before halftime, evading his marker to slot home with his right foot past Oviedo goalkeeper Leo Roman, leveling the aggregate score in the 44th minute.
The 26-year-old forward doubled his tally moments later, calmly finishing Pere Milla's layoff inside the box after a lofted pass, effectively overturning the playoff dynamics before the break.
Oviedo had secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg at their home stadium, courtesy of Alemao's 73rd-minute strike. However, their aspirations of returning to La Liga for the first time since the 2000-01 season were dashed after Espanyol's resolute performance in Catalonia.
The result underscores Espanyol's determination and strategic play in securing their place among Spain's football elite for the upcoming season.
