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0-2: Historic and prestigious triumph
Espanyol becomes the first LaLiga team to win in the Metropolitan Wanda
Spectacular victory of Espanyol in the Metropolitan Wanda. The team led by David Gallego added three points of much merit after defeating Atletico Madrid and completing a great game. Melendo, with the help of Savic, and Baptistao were the scorers of the pericos that completely annulled their opponent. The parakeet team becomes the first First Division team to win at the new rojiblanco stadium.
The truth is that At. Madrid and Espanyol played to finish the league as best as possible. Simeone, with the newly-qualified colchoneros for the UEFA League final, opted to refresh the team. With the absence of Correa and Diego Costa by sanction and Juanfran, the only injured, the 'Cholo' had all the available staff and pulled bench. David Gallego also introduced some changes in the eleven and during the week was instilling in his players the idea that you could add a victory in the impregnable Wanda.
And that's what they did. They planted on the lawn of the Metropolitan with the intention of sending, controlling and having all the possession they could. Vitolo gave the first and timid warning (the only local during the first half) just before retiring injured. Espanyol responded with a good collective strike that culminated Gerard with a shot that crashed at the base of Oblak's post. And just before the break, Darder drove many meters to assist Baptistao. His shot, however, ended at the hands of the goalkeeper.
The second half started with the same intentions. Espanyol was comfortable and would not change anything. 'Cholo' preferred to introduce Saúl to better organize an attack that did not find holes, but he found the blue and white goal. A shot by Melendo ended up pushing Savic head to the back of the net. Unlike other games, Espanyol did not yield a meter and completely dominated its opponent. The rojiblancos hardly disturbed the goal defended by Pau López, who was very well protected by his defence.
The good game of the Blue and Whites was in crescendo with the passage of minutes. Without giving away a ball, with very clear ideas, the parakeet continued to threaten Oblak's goal. And the result of the dominance and offensive bet came the second goal of Baptistao, who had already forgiven before, after receiving a pass from Melendo. Totally deserved. The Slovenian goalkeeper did not receive a goal against since last January and added, until today, only four in all LaLiga. The Blue and Whites finished with many records in one go. Espanyol remained very focused until the end and did not spend any kind of hurry to sign a historic victory in a very prestigious scenario. First visit to the Metropolitan Wanda and triumph. Historic and deserved.