Back
0-0: Victory still resists
Espanyol has a new draw and remained winless in their stadium this season
Espanyol faced with great enthusiasm this match after winning at the Benito Villamarin. The players and the coaching staff had only one thought in their minds: the victory. However it was a very tactical match and it was impossible to beat Athletic Club de Bilbao. As the final score indicates, the defenses were imposed on the attacks and the distribution of points can be considered fair.
Espanyol started with just one change in their lineup. Roca was forced to miss the match because of a muscular injury and his place was taken by Jurado. Aarón, who had problems in his ankle during the week, finally made it to play against Athletic Club.
After winning against Real Betis, the goal of the blue and white team was to achieve the first victory of the season at home. The supporters and the players deserved a good result after a not very good start at the stadium. It wasn’t a brilliant match despite the two teams didn’t speculate. The locals knew that it was important to control Aduriz and Williams the two offensive players. The defenders did well and were able to stop the two strikers.
Espanyol tried to play and had good moments of football with a good chance for Hernán who didn’t impact a good serve by Jurado. Piatti also tried twice before the half time but Arrizabalaga was able to stop the two shots of the Argentinean. Gerard, before the half time, had the best chance to score but his shot were too high.
The match didn’t change in the second half. Actually, Athletic seemed to be satisfied with the draw and they didn’t put in trouble Diego López and his defenders. However, Espanyol wasn’t able to create opportunities and only Javi Fuego was close to score after a header in a corner-kick.
Quique decided to put Caicedo on the field with Leo on the left and Gerard in the front. With the striker from Ecuador the team looked more comfortable and seemed more dangerous. Therefore the team wasn’t able to create opportunities and only in the last second Gerard had in his head the best chance to score but Kepa saved the goal.