What a match! Coming into this 13th day of La Liga action, Espanyol was in desperate need of a result. After two straight losses, the pressure was on for Manolo Gonzalez's squad to right the ship. They did just that, holding on for a nail-biting 2-1 win against a tough Sevilla side, in a game that was goalless for the first half but exploded with action in the second.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Espanyol secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Sevilla at the RCDE Stadium.
- ✓ Pere Milla opened the scoring for Espanyol with a header just after halftime (47').
- ✓ Roberto Fernández scored a stunning goal from outside the box in the 83rd minute to double the lead.
- ✓ Sevilla’s Marcão pulled one back with a header in the 85th minute, setting up a dramatic finish.
- ✓ The win halts Espanyol's two-game losing streak and keeps them 6th in the La Liga table.
A Tense and Goalless First Half
The first 45 minutes kicked off with both teams probing for an opening, but neither could find that final, decisive touch. Espanyol had the first real scare just three minutes in, when Kike GarcÃa’s left-footed shot narrowly missed the mark. Sevilla, however, quickly grew into the game and started to apply serious pressure. They were relentless with their attacks, forcing Espanyol's keeper, Marko Dmitrovic, into action multiple times.
Around the 15-minute mark, Sevilla came agonizingly close. Akor Adams tested Dmitrovic with a shot from outside the box that was tipped away for a corner. From that set piece, Rubén Vargas missed a golden opportunity. Just a minute later, the woodwork saved Espanyol as Peque Fernández’s long-range strike smacked off the right post. You could feel the collective sigh of relief from the home fans at the RCDE Stadium.
Sevilla's Momentum Hit by Injuries
Just as Matias Almeyda’s Sevilla side seemed to be taking control, their rhythm was disrupted by injuries. The game saw two lengthy delays due to Adnan Januzaj going down. He tried to continue but was ultimately forced off in the 33rd minute, replaced by Chidera Ejuke. This seemed to take some of the wind out of Sevilla’s sails as the half wore on. Despite racking up a whopping ten corners in the first half alone, they just couldn't break down Espanyol's defense before the halftime whistle blew with the score locked at 0-0.
The Second Half Eruption
Whatever was said in the Espanyol dressing room during the break clearly worked wonders. They came out looking like a completely different team. It took just two minutes for them to break the deadlock. In the 47th minute, Tyrhys Dolan delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Pere Milla rose up to direct a powerful header into the top left corner. The stadium erupted as Espanyol took a 1-0 lead against the run of play.
The goal completely changed the complexion of the match. Sevilla, who had looked so comfortable, were now chasing the game. They suffered another injury blow shortly after, with Rubén Vargas forced off for Alfon González. The game became scrappy and physical, with fouls breaking up the play. Edu Expósito picked up a yellow card for a bad foul in the 49th minute, a clear sign of the rising intensity.
Managers Ring the Changes
Both managers turned to their benches to try and influence the outcome. Espanyol made a double substitution just after the hour mark, bringing on Pol Lozano and Roberto Fernández, the latter of whom would prove to be a game-changer. Sevilla responded with a triple substitution in the 70th minute, bringing on fresh legs in Lucien Agoumé, Nemanja Gudelj, and the experienced Alexis Sánchez in an attempt to find an equalizer.
The changes made the game even more frantic. Sevilla threw players forward, but Espanyol's defense held firm, blocking shot after shot. Alfon González had several attempts blocked in quick succession around the 67th and 75th minutes, showcasing Sevilla's growing desperation and Espanyol's resilience. It was a classic case of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.
A Wild Finish to a Tense Affair
Just when it looked like the game might finish 1-0, the final ten minutes delivered an incredible burst of drama. In the 83rd minute, Espanyol substitute Roberto Fernández produced a moment of magic. He received the ball from Urko González de Zárate outside the box and unleashed a spectacular right-footed shot that flew into the top right corner. It was a stunning strike that made it 2-0 and seemed to have sealed all three points for the home side. Fernández was promptly booked for his passionate celebration, but you could hardly blame him.
But hold on, Sevilla wasn't done yet. Just two minutes later, they won a corner. Gabriel Suazo swung the ball in, and defender Marcão met it with a firm header from close range, burying it in the bottom left corner. Suddenly, it was 2-1, and the game was well and truly back on. The goal gave the Andalusians a huge boost of hope heading into stoppage time.
The fourth official announced six minutes of added time, which felt like an eternity for the Espanyol fans. Sevilla pushed everyone forward for an equalizer. They came so close, too. In the 92nd minute, Akor Adams missed a great chance, sending his shot just over the bar. Then, deep into the 97th minute, Nemanja Gudelj had a final crack from distance, but his shot was blocked. Espanyol survived the onslaught, and the final whistle confirmed their hard-fought victory.
Conclusion
In the end, it was a tale of two halves. After a frustrating first period dominated by Sevilla, Espanyol came out with renewed purpose and capitalized on their chances. The victory is a massive one for Manolo Gonzalez's team, ending their losing skid and keeping them firmly in the 6th spot in La Liga. For Sevilla, it's a disappointing result that sees them slip to 11th, a tough pill to swallow after creating so many opportunities. This match was a perfect reminder that in football, it’s not just about dominating possession—it’s about putting the ball in the back of the net.
