Manolo González Tactics At Espanyol 2025/2026: How To Turn Corners Into An Attacking Identity – Set-Piece Analysis

In modern football analysis, set-pieces are often framed as marginal gains and supplementary opportunities rather than primary attacking mechanisms. 

Espanyol under Manolo González challenge this assumption. 

Throughout the 2025/2026 season, corners have emerged not as occasional advantages but as a central component of their attacking identity.

RCD Espanyol de Barcelona focus on creating high-quality scoring opportunities from organised set-plays, such as corners, instead of prioritising ball possession or taking numerous shots during regular gameplay. 

The teams success in this area, especially with centre-back Leandro Cabrera, demonstrates a well-coordinated system that relies on precise timing and space control rather than on chance.

In this RCD Espanyol set-piece analysis, we look at how Espanyol have transformed corner-kicks into a repeatable attacking weapon, focusing on their structural organisation, movement patterns, use of blocking and second phases, and why these mechanisms consistently destabilise defensive structures.

Manipulating Space Before The Delivery

RCD Espanyols threat from corners is established well before the kick is even taken. 

They set up in the box with a specific formation designed to confuse defenders, disrupt their marking assignments, and make it harder for them to react quickly to the play.

Rather than immediately positioning their main aerial threats on the defensive line, Espanyol frequently place them deeper, closer to the edge of the box or the penalty spot.

This structural choice was clearly evident in Espanyol’s match against Deportivo Alavés, despite the absence of a goal.

Kike García positions himself closest to the near post, while the other five players start from deeper zones. 

Meanwhile, the player stationed behind Cabrera actively engages and nudges the defender inside the six-yard box, creating space for the primary run.

As the delivery was prepared, defenders were forced to constantly check their shoulders, unsure whether to hold their line or track runners attacking space from behind.