In recent weeks, Espanyol has undergone a significant tactical adjustment that sees the team shifting from its traditional 4-2-3-1 formation to a 5-defender setup in order to enhance defensive stability.

The move away from the familiar 4-2-3-1 was seen as a bold step by head coach Pablo Machado, who believes that the new formation will help his side cope with the physical demands of La Liga and improve their defensive solidity.

Under the old system, Espanyol relied heavily on its midfielders to provide the defensive cover required, but with the introduction of the 5-defender system, the team is now able to rely more on its defenders to provide the necessary protection.

With five players at the back, Espanyol can afford to have fewer options when it comes to defensive positioning, allowing them to focus on covering more ground and ensuring that no single defender is left exposed.

One of the key benefits of the 5-defender setup is that it allows Espanyol to maintain a high defensive line, which helps to limit the space available to opposing teams. This, in turn, reduces the risk of counterattacks and makes it easier for the team to defend against set-pieces.

Another advantage of the new system is that it provides greater flexibility for the coach, who can make changes to the defense without having to worry about sacrificing too many attacking options. This means that Espanyol can adapt to different opponents and playing conditions more easily than they could under the previous system.

Overall, the tactical shift to a 5-defender formation represents a significant departure from the team's past approach, but one that Espanyol hopes will pay off in terms of improved defensive stability and performance on the pitch. With the new system in place, the team looks poised to take on the challenges of La Liga with confidence and determination.