Back

1-0: Defeat in the Copa del Rey

Copa del Rey campaign comes to an end with defeat to Athletic Club

RCD Espanyol were knocked out of the Copa del Rey with a 1-0 defeat to Athletic Club on Wednesday.

Back on the road in the Copa, Espanyol travelled to San Mamés midweek for the all-LaLiga round of 16 tie. A strong team selection from Diego Martínez saw Joan García return in goal and Sergi Gómez in at the back, while the inform duo Javi Puado and Joselu were to lead the line in Bilbao.

Athletic were in control of possession and the chances in the early stages, pushing the visitors into their own box. Joan García kept Álex Berenguer’s long shot out with a great save, flying across goal to get a hand and divert the ball away.

Joselu had the ball in the back of the net but was offside, and within minutes Athletic were up the other end to take the lead themselves thanks to Óscar De Marcos. Though the pericos did start to come out and threaten, they could not find a way through and remained behind at half-time.

While there was more urgency in the second half, Espanyol still struggled to really get through on goal and work the keeper. A switch to a wider system gave them more options but the frustration remained, as Athletic were content to let the match continue that way.

There were even fewer attempts on goal in the closing stages, García making some comfortable saves while the visitors continued to push on. It was not enough for Espanyol to find a way back, as they bowed out of the Copa del Rey at the last 16 stage.

---

Match information

Athletic Club: Aguirrezabala, Vivian, Yeray, Vesga, Berenguer (Muniain 69’), O. Sancet (Ander Herrera 79’), N. Williams, Guruzeta (I. Williams 69’), Yuri B., De Marcos, Zarraga (Raúl García 79’).

RCD Espanyol: Joan García, S. Gómez, C. Montes, Cabrera (Aleix V.C 46’), Rubén S. (Lazo 78’), Vini Souza, Edu Expósito (Pol Lozano 69’), B. Oliván, Darder (Nico M.R 61’), Puado (Koleosho 69’), Joselu.

Referee: Juan Luis Pulido Santana

Goals: 1-0 De Marcos 27’

Bookings: Yeray 45’; Puado 36’, Rubén S. 44’, S. Gómez 45+3’, Vini Souza 90+3’ 

Attendance: 37,564