Back

1-1 draw with Sevilla at the RCDE Stadium

Sergi Darder scores for Espanyol as the two sides share the points

RCD Espanyol and Sevilla played out a 1-1 draw at the RCDE Stadium on Matchday 25 of the LaLiga season, as Sergi Darder equalised for Los Pericos in the second half and they pushed for the victory against a side reduced to ten men before the end.

Coach Vicente Moreno made one change to the side that had drawn with FC Barcelona in the Catalan derby the previous weekend, as Óscar Gil came in for Aleix Vidal.

Espanyol used a high press to peg Sevilla back, albeit always wary of the danger presented on the counter by the visitors. The best chance for the home team in the early going came midway through the opening period, as Javi Puado sent in a ball that Darder headed over.

A double chance followed, through Raúl de Tomás and Tonny Vilhena: The former struck left footed with an effort that was saved by goalkeeper Bono, with the latter putting the follow-up over.

However, Sevilla would go ahead with their very first opportunity. In the 36th minute, Papu Gómez delivered in a cross, and Rafa Mir snatched the ball from Pedrosa to finish.

Two minutes later, Yangel Herrera hit off target with the final look on goal of the first half, which ended 0-1 to Sevilla.

An intense second half saw an early equaliser from Vicente Moreno's men. Gil crossed in for Darder to head past the goalkeeper, continuing his run of scoring form and bringing his side back level.

Herrera hit a shot just centimetres wide after the hour, whilst Gómez put a ball over from close range at the other end.

A frenetic final quarter hour featured a red card for Jules Koundé, for a tussle with Puado. His sending off reduced Sevilla to 10 men, and allowed a series of attacks from Espanyol: Aleix Vidal set up RDT, who couldn't finish it off.

Diego López made a stunning save in injury time to deny En Nesyri from close range, albeit with the Sevilla player in an offside position, and the game came to a close with the spoils shared.