0-0: Point of order
Espanyol draws in a very tactical match against Las Palmas
Espanyol added a new point after a draw against UD Las Palmas in a very tactical and few chances match. Espanyol managed to leave zero a rival which had scored in every game this season and showed the seriousness needed to finish taking a point. Quique Sanchez Flores came close to victory in the last minute of the match but Gerard Moreno missed the header.
Quique Sánchez Flores decided to introduce some changes in the line-up. Víctor Sánchez on the right back with Aaron on the left side started in defence; Piatti and Baptistao, after their injuries, where back in the team as Salva Sevilla who had his first opportunity of the season. That was the coach plan to try to win Las Palmas.
Espanyol started very strong the match with a good shot by Marc Roca. Kevin Prince Boateng had a clear opportunity to score but Diego López was superb to avoid the first goal of the locals. Las Palmas kept attacking and again the white and blue goalkeeper was again brilliant to keep the clean sheet. Therefore the pericos also had their options. Leo Baptistao missed a clear chance and when he was near to score and a few minutes after was Gerard who didn’t make it a few minutes after to push a good pass from his Brazilian teammate.
Espanyol was able to control their opponent and in the last minutes of the first half the white and blue team seem to feel comfortable on the pitch. Before the teams went to the dressing room, Sánchez Flores’ players tried to get in front of the score board: Baptistao and Gerard kep attacking but they didn’t find the way to score.
Las Palmas started better after the break. The locals had two good opportunities to score but again Diego López was great. The white and blue team wasn’t as comfortable in the first half and didn’t arrive to the other box. In one of the clear approaches Gerard was in a good situation to pass or score but the referee called off side. Espanyol decided to defend and try to keep a clean sheet to add another point. With a big effort and a great work untl the minute 90 the team was able to draw against a great opponent.