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0-0: A proud draw

Espanyol got a valuable point at the Coliseum with a game full of courage and character, overcoming a red card in the 15th minute

Espanyol wants to demonstrate day by day that, despite being the team most affected by the coronavirus, they have started their own 11-game Liga. Against the clock, and at a disadvantage compared to others. But it is showing extraordinary belief in fighting every day, in every training session, until strengths runs out. Alfonso Pérez began by threatening Getafe without respite. Well settled from behind, he went on the attack, taking advantage of Calleri’s fighting spirit and Wu Lei’s speed to try to cause surprises from behind.

Soon, very soon, in the 7th minute, David Soria made an extraordinary save to deflect a flawless header from David López. The fans not being present, the players from both teams applauded in unison.

With Espanyol in control, came the episode that marked the match. An innocent gesture by Bernardo to get rid of Damián had the latter on the ground and the Blue and Whites player sent off, in an action that no one saw live. This was so harsh that nobody understood anything of what was going on in those long minutes of bewilderment. But Bernardo was sent off in the first fifteen minutes and Espanyol had a heroic effort ahead of it.

It stuck to its guns, and clung to the new situation. Abelardo placed David López in the centre of the defence and the team continued without suffering. In fact, the only shot on goal from the home team came just before the break. Calleri, a little earlier, made the home goalie shine again.

The second half started with another blue and white occasion. But, again, David Soria stopped a shot from close range from Embarba. Bordalás, suspecting that something was not working, began his carousel of changes and the game was locked in the way that Getafe likes best. The game became denser, but the Blue and Whites remained firm behind and each approach to the home goal was a dangerous action. Calleri had another chance, in which David Soria was again decisive.

Espanyol remained very solid in defence, strong, with the lines together as Getafe tried to reach the area through counter-attacks by the wingers. The parakeets responded.

With a minute to go to 95’, Diego López launched his body and soul to stop a double shot from Cucurella practically on the goal line.

 

A brave, proud and tenacious Espanyol resisted, obtaining a very valuable draw in one of the toughest pitches in La Liga.