Evening all! Week 25 in La Liga draws to a close this evening as Espanyol welcome Villarreal to Barcelona. The home side have won their last two in the league, with that run of form moving them into 10th, just three points off the top seven. Villarreal, meanwhile, would move above Real Sociedad into fifth with victory this evening.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Villarreal have won three of the last five matches, with the further two games both ending in goalless draws. The reverse match at El Madrigal earlier in the season ended in a 2-1 Villarreal win, but the last league meeting in this stadium brought a goalless draw in November 2011.

TEAMS:

ESPANYOL: Casilla; Fuentes, Moreno, Colotto, J.Lopez; Sanchez, D.Lopez, Simao, Abraham; Stuani, Garcia

VILLARREAL: Asenjo; Mario, Jokic, Musacchio, Gabriel; Pina, Bruno, Gomez; Nahuel, Giovani, Perbet

So there we have it. No real surprises in the Espanyol XI this evening with Sergio Garcia joined in attack by Christian Stuani, but Colombian youngster Jhon Cordoba is on the bench. Villarreal, meanwhile, are still without the injured Cani, but 17-year-old Argentine Matias Nahuel is handed a start alongside Jeremy Perbet and Giovani dos Santos in attack. Leading scorer Uche is named on the bench.

It has been a mixed season for Espanyol thus far, but back-to-back wins over Granada and Athletic Bilbao have left them in 10th position in the table. That run of results has eased their relegation fears and aided their hopes of a European finish. If that is to occur, these are the type of matches that they need to be winning.

Espanyol's home form this season has been fairly solid with six wins from their 12 matches, but they have lost four times in the process. On the road, they have won three, drawn three and lost six of their 12 fixtures. Last time out in La Liga they ended Bilbao's unbeaten league record at San Mames this season with a 2-1 win.

Both Espanyol and Villarreal have been impressive defensively this season with Espanyol conceding just 30 times to Villarreal's 29. Javier Aguirre's side, meanwhile, boast seven clean sheets to Villarreal's six. Down the other end, the home side have netted 28 times to Villarreal's 44, with the Yellow Submarine the fourth-highest scorers in the league.

Villarreal, meanwhile, enter the match off the back of a 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo. As it stands, they sit in sixth position in the table on 40 points. In truth, a top-half finish would have been considered a success at the beginning of the season, but they are in the fight for the top four. Games such as this evening are crucial in their challenge.

The Yellow Submarine have been strong on their own patch this season with seven wins from their 13 matches, losing just three times in the process. Meanwhile, they have also shown that they can pick up wins on their travels with five victories from 11 on the road. They also have a better goal difference than Sociedad (+15) and equal to Bilbao.

10 - Villarreal are unbeaten in 10 league meetings with Espanyol. Their last defeat against them came back in Jan 08 (3-0 in Montjuic). Rock — OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 24, 2014

PREDICTION: Both sides have enjoyed impressive seasons to this point, but Espanyol enter the match in the better run of form. Both have plenty of attacking players on the field, which points to an open match, but I am finding it difficult to separate the pair. My score prediction is 2-2 in Barcelona.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital this evening. The home side get the action underway.

1 - Marcelino Garcia Toral has only lost one of his seven meetings with Espanyol as a La Liga manager (W4 D2). Cider. — OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 24, 2014

Not a full house inside the stadium this evening - far from it in fact - but there is a strong atmosphere. This match is vital for both of these sides' prospects this season. Espanyol have taken control of the early possession with Victor Sanchez and David Lopez seeing plenty of the ball.

Fairly low-key start to this match with both sides guilty of losing possession too easily in the final third. Meanwhile, the offside flag has just quelled a couple of attacks from the home side. Both managers are out on the touchline surveying the opening four minutes in Barcelona.

Half-chance fro Villarreal as Mario meets a near-post corner from Giovani, but his effort is just wide of the post. It has been bits and pieces thus far rather than clear chances for either side. However, Villarreal have just started to see more of the ball in the final third.

Not too much in terms of a tempo to the match at the moment with both teams playing at a pre-season pace. The fact that there is not too many supporters inside the stadium is not helping. It is the type of fixture that needs something to happen in order to raise those in attendance. Still goalless with nine minutes on the clock.

Better from the home side in the last couple of moments as Juan Fuentes and Colotto deliver dangerous crosses into the Villarreal box, but Asenjo is on hand to claim on both occasions. Villarreal break down the other end with Giovani, but the Mexican cannot find the run of 17-year-old Leiva.

Simao wants a free kick just outside the Villarreal box as he falls under pressure from Jokic, but the referee is not interested. Giovani bursts into life down the other end, but the attacker cannot meet a through pass from Bruno, who has just started to get on the ball in advanced positions.

CHANCE! The first real chance of the match falls to Espanyol as Stuani combines with Simao down the left, but the former makes a hash of his final effort and it trickles wide of the post. Play has just started to open up in the last few moments with the tempo rising.

Garcia tries his luck from an impossible angle after picking the pocket of Mario, but the Espanyol skipper's effort is collected by Asenjo. Garcia's strike partner Stuani is involved moments later, but his cross is blocked by Gabriel. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock in Barcelona.

CHANCE! Villarreal's best chance comes to Pina as the midfielder finds some space just outside the box, but his curling effort is wide of the post. Opportunities are starting to arrive, while the referee continues to be called into action to deal with a number of late challenges.

End-to-end football in the last few moments with both sides forcing the issue in the final third. Below is an indication of the lack of supporters inside the stadium this evening, which is a shame...

Almassorins animant al @VillarrealCF #endavant pic.twitter.com/i6oJQNMBjp

— Esther Fuentes (@lafuen_ter) February 24, 2014

Half-chance for the home side as Asenjo drops a set piece from Simao, but Mario manages to clear under pressure from Stuani. Espanyol continue to force the issue from a long throw, but once more the danger is cleared. You just get the feeling that the first goal is on its way. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining.

CHANCE! It's brilliant work from the 17-year-old Leiva, who collects a pass from Giovani before curling one towards the bottom corner, but his effort is just wide of the post. The Villarreal attacker has looked bright in the last couple of minutes.

In truth, a draw would not be the worst result for either side this evening, but Espanyol, as the home team, will be expected to force the issue. David Lopez has an effort on goal for Espanyol, but Asenjo is on hand to make the save. End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes.

Good spell for Villarreal in the last couple of minutes with Giovani and Bruno starting to see more of the ball in the final third. The latter delivers a dangerous cross towards Perbet following bright work from Mario, but Casilla is on hand to collect. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining in Barcelona.

Half-chance for the home side as Victor Sanchez meets a loose ball outside the box, but his effort is straight into the arms of Asenjo. Villarreal break down the other end with Perbet, but the French forward's through pass is collected by Casilla.

Simao continues to threaten for the home side with dangerous balls into the Villarreal box, but neither Stuani nor Garcia have been able to make a telling touch thus far. Down the other end, Perbet is penalised for backing into Moreno before turning and bringing a smart save from Casilla.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments due to a number of late challenges. The latest from Jokic on Garcia presents Espanyol with the chance to deliver into the Villarreal box, but Simao's set piece is headed clear by Mario. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.

Villarreal take the lead after 36 minutes as Leiva finds some space on the left before drilling a low cross into the box, where Gomez is on hand to turn home from close range. Brilliant from the two youngsters.

Espanyol attempt to launch an immediate response as Garcia finds some space down the right before delivering a low cross into the box, but Mario is on hand to clear the danger. It hasn't quite been smash-and-grab from the away side, but Espanyol will feel aggrieved to be behind at this stage of proceedings.

1 - Nahuel Leiva has made his first assist in La Liga in his first top-flight game as starter. Vision.

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 24, 2014

It has been a strong response from Espanyol with Garcia and David Lopez carrying the main threat. Abraham takes matters into his own hands with an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Not too much football left to play in the first period with 44 minutes on the clock.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Villarreal to score their second as Perbet moves past Casilla before attempting to roll his effort into an empty goal, but Moreno is on hand to clear off the line.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Villarreal leading 1-0 courtesy of Gomez, who converted a low cross from Leiva 10 minutes before the interval. Espanyol have had their moments, but have created little in the final third.

STATISTICS: The home side have just about shaded the possession with 52%, but both sides have had six attempts. Espanyol have hit the target three times, while Villarreal have registered three attempts on goal. Just the one yellow card, meanwhile, with Giovani booked for Villarreal after 44 minutes.

BENCH WATCH: Espanyol have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Pizzi, Lanzarote, Alex and Cordoba. Meanwhile, Villarreal have the likes of Uche, Trigueros and Jonathan Pereira in reserve. There are certainly goals in that list of players.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be decisive in terms of the final result. The away side get the second 45 minutes underway in Barcelona.

Two changes for Espanyol at the interval with Cordoba and Pizzi entering the field in place of Simao and Abraham. However, Villarreal go with the same XI. All-action start to the second period with both sides committing numbers in the final third.

Immediately Cordoba has added another dimension to the Espanyol attack with the Colombian's pace a serious concern to the Villarreal defence. Twice in quick succession Gabriel is forced to make fine challenges to deny the pacey frontman. Still 1-0 Villarreal with 50 minutes on the clock.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene. A handball from Leiva presents Espanyol with a free kick just outside the box, but the resulting set piece from Garcia is headed clear by Mario. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening.

Villarreal have their second of the match as Perbet converts from close range after Giovani had been denied by Casilla. Daylight for the Yellow Submarine!

Villarreal make their first change in the early stages of the second period and it is a forced one as Musacchio limps off, with the Argentine replaced by Dorado. You just get the feeling that Espanyol need to open their tally in the next five minutes or so if they are to turn this around.

Not too much to report in terms of clear opportunities in the last few moments, but Villarreal are comfortable. Cordoba's pace once more threatens for Espanyol, but the impressive Gabriel is across to clear the danger. Little under 35 minutes of this La Liga contest remaining.

In fairness to the home supporters, those in attendance have stayed with their side. However, the team needs something to happen. Garcia has been their inspiration this season, but the skipper is struggling to influence proceedings. Villarreal are comfortable at 2-0.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the away side to score their third as Leiva finds some space down the left before putting it on a plate for Giovani, but the Mexican curls his effort high and wide of the crossbar.

CHANCE! Clear chance for Espanyol as Stuani beats Asenjo to the ball inside the box before crossing towards the far post, but Gabriel is on hand to clear under pressure from Cordoba. It is all happening with little under 30 minutes of normal time remaining.

Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of moments as Cordoba takes control of a high ball before finding Garcia on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight at Mario. Just a reminder that Espanyol have already made two changes this evening, while Villarreal have made one.

It must be said that Leiva, who is making his first start for Villarreal this evening, has been extremely impressive. The 17-year-old is once more involved in the final third with Giovani, but the Mexican's through pass is collected by Casilla. Still 2-0 Villarreal with 67 minutes on the clock.

Half-chance for Pizzi as the Portuguese breaks into the Villarreal box before cutting inside Mario, but Gabriel is on the cover to make a fine block. Time is just starting to run out for Espanyol, while Villarreal remain a serious threat on the counter attack.

CHANCE! Stuani has the opportunity to open Espanyol's tally for the evening as he meets a cross from Garcia, but his header is straight into the arms of Asenjo. Moments later, the news gets worse for Espanyol as Villarreal bring on their leading scorer Uche for Perbet.

What about this for a statistic? Leiva has been extremely impressive this evening on his first La Liga start for Villarreal...

17 - Nahuel Leiva is the youngest player to make a assist in the top five European leagues this season (22-10-1996). Jewel.

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 24, 2014

Another opportunity comes and goes for the home side as Juan Fuentes slices one high and wide of the crossbar after meeting a loose ball inside the box. It appears that Villarreal are preparing to make their third and final change with little under 15 minutes of action remaining in Barcelona.

Indeed the change is made for Villarreal as Trigueros replaces Gomez, who opened the scoring in the first period this evening. Time is just starting to run out for Espanyol with Villarreal still boasting a two-goal lead.

Lifeline Espanyol! The home side cut the score to 2-1 as Cordoba collects a pass from Garcia before rattling one into the bottom corner. Brilliant work from the Colombian.

Cordoba has been a real handful for Villarreal in the second period and his presence wins another free kick outside the box. Moments before, Espanyol make their third and final change with Alex replacing Stuani. What a final 10 minutes we have in store.

CHANCE! Oh my word how has he missed?! Incredible chance for the home side to level as Moreno meets a loose ball inside the box, but his effort flashes wide of the post. Villarreal just cannot keep the ball at the moment.

You have to question why Cordoba did not start for Espanyol this evening. The Colombian has been just brilliant in the second period. Villarreal gain some respite as Colotto fells Giovani, but the resulting free kick from Bruno is headed clear by Moreno. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.

The free-kick count continues to rise as Leiva fells Garcia outside the Villarreal box. The Espanyol skipper delivers into the crowd of players, but Asenjo comes to collect in spectacular fashion. Is there to be late drama in Barcelona?

Another half-chance comes to the home side as Cordoba rises inside the box before finding Pizzi, but Mario is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Villarreal manage to force it clear, but they just cannot keep the ball. Time is running out for Espanyol.

Oh my word. Espanyol are awarded a penalty in the final minute as Gabriel handles inside the box. Terrible from the defender!

SAVE! Asenjo dives to his right to deny Garcia from the spot. Wow! What an end to this match!

We are into the fourth minute of additional time and still Espanyol push forward. David Lopez delivers a dangerous cross into the box, but Mario is on hand to clear. Espanyol will have only themselves to blame if they take nothing from this match.

And breathe! Fantastic entertainment in Barcelona as Villarreal hold on to secure a 2-1 win over Espanyol. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!