Espanyol sack Manolo González hours after 121st-minute Copa exit at Sestao River

Espanyol has officially dismissed head coach Manolo González following a dramatic 4-3 defeat against fourth-tier side Sestao River in the Copa del Rey first round on Tuesday. Sestao River sealed the shock upset at Las Llanas through Jon Rojo's winning goal in the 121st minute of extra time, prompting the Catalan club's board to relieve the 47-year-old manager of his duties just hours after the final whistle.

González was already under significant pressure before the cup elimination, having overseen a poor start to the league campaign that left Espanyol 18th in La Liga with six defeats in 10 matches. His departure marks the third managerial change of the La Liga season, coming only five months after the club had initially reaffirmed its backing for him.