Dmitrovic's Defiance: 'No Ceiling' for High-Flying Espanyol
Espanyol's goalkeeper reflects on their fifth consecutive win as they climb to fifth in La Liga, with the team showing no signs of limiting their ambitions.
Espanyol’s Festive Five-Star Form Continues
Manolo González’s Espanyol side wrapped up 2025 in spectacular fashion, securing their fifth consecutive victory with a comeback win at the iconic San Mamés against Athletic Club. The result propels the Barcelona-based outfit to fifth in the table with an impressive 33 points at the year’s end.
Two standout performers epitomized Espanyol’s resilient display:
- Marko Dmitrovic - The Serbian goalkeeper was absolutely immense between the sticks, producing a series of crucial first-half saves that kept Espanyol in the contest when Athletic were threatening to run away with it
- Urko González de Zárate - The former Real Sociedad midfielder dominated the center of the park with a commanding performance that helped wrestle control back for the visitors
”No Ceiling” Mentality
Speaking after the match, Dmitrovic was quick to highlight the collective effort required to triumph at such a difficult venue.
“This doesn’t stop, we don’t set a ceiling,” declared the keeper, emphasizing the squad’s determination to maintain their momentum into 2026. His ambition was crystal clear - Espanyol want to continue competing, winning, and enjoying their football.
The goalkeeper acknowledged how difficult it’s been to build this five-game winning streak, describing it as “an unbeatable way to end the year” before adding it was time to rest and celebrate.
In true team-player fashion, Dmitrovic deflected praise for his own performance, insisting the victory belonged to everyone who participated, whether in the starting eleven or coming off the bench.
González’s Grounded Approach
Midfield maestro Urko González struck a more measured tone despite his man-of-the-match performance, emphasizing their match-by-match mentality.
“We’re going game by game, with the mindset of winning each one,” he explained. “It’s true we’re on a very good run, but we need to keep our feet on the ground.”
The midfielder was quick to credit manager Manolo González’s tactical influence, revealing how closely the squad follows his instructions and how the results speak for themselves.
Urko concluded by acknowledging that while all Primera División venues present challenges, their current form gives them confidence they can beat anyone - making for a particularly sweet Christmas break for the Espanyol faithful.
With this result, the Pericos have transformed from potential relegation battlers into European contenders. The question now is whether they can maintain this barnstorming form when they return from the festive period. On current evidence, you’d be a right mug to bet against them.