Back

0-1: Unexpected defeat

Espanyol loses to Leganés in the first match of the course at RCDE Stadium

Espanyol started with a poor footing at home after losing to Leganés by 0-1. After a dull first half without much game and few chances of goal, the white and blue team improved after the break but they were not able to overcome Mantovani's goal that allowed the visitors to take the three points.

There was a lot of interest in watching Espanyol play. Quique Sánchez Flores's team draw against Sevilla and hoped to add the first victory of the season at RCDE Stadium against Leganés that in the previous season, in spite of the final victory of the parakeets, meant plenty of difficulties.

The match started badly for Espanyol. In the warm up Adri López was injured and Diego Lopez took his place on the bench. A few minutes later it was Javi López who fell. The captain, who celebrated his  200nd match 20 in the First Division with the blanquiazul, left the field injured. Meanwhile Leganés had verified that they came with a clear idea to win at the RCDE Stadium. Pau was the most active player in the early stages of the match and had to intervene in various dangerous moves. Espanyol was not able to play against an opponent that was very solid in defence and attacking sharply. The away team insistence ended up by being rewarded despite the good work of Pau. The goalkeeper was feline on two occasions to avoid the goal of the 'pepineros' but could do nothing to avoid Montavani's goal. It was not a good start for the Quique Sánchez Flores team.

Espanyol needed to react, however, the Blanquiazules lacked success in most actions. Piatti, after a good drive from Gerard, had the clearest one but his shot went outside. Gerard, before the break, had a good opportunity after a Jurado action although his shot ended in corner kick. Scarce clear options to overcome Cuellar.

The second part had nothing to do with the first. Espanyol drastically changed  and was a much more incisive team, especially when Sergio García entered the field. The presence of the Catalan striker ignited the stand and revolutionized the attack of the white and blue team. Baptistao had a clear opportunity to equalize with a header that went outside when the stands celebrated the draw. Quique Sánchez Flores's players began to have much more attacking presence and to arrive with danger to the goal defended by Cuéllar. The team generated numerous corner kicks, but the strategy, which was a very appreciated resource last season, did not pay off. Baptistao had it, but the striker did not react in time to take advantage of a rejection of Cuellar. Sergio García, with an acrobatic shot, took over in the opportunities chapter but without success.