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2-1: Painful defeat

Real came back from the initial goal of Espanyol, which showed signs of improvement, but was left empty-handed

Before the game, Rufete pointed out that what remains of the championship must be lived in daily training and in the 90 minutes of each game. Nothing more than that. There is no need to think about other things. So it was time to get to work against one of the most incisive teams in attack, with an exemplary and almost automated offensive game. A solid defence was required, but also the gall to play counter-attacks. Espanyol could not surrender to the Real game plan. On the contrary, it was best to respond to them. And it did so. However, the first chance came from William José when he pushed a Monreal cross inside the net after four minutes. The blue and white anger was evident, but this time the VAR warned the referee to wait a few seconds. The review confirmed that the Real striker was a few centimetres ahead of Cabrera. Offside. Goal disallowed.

Espanyol began to peep out towards Moyà’s goal. Embarba looked for RDT insistently, but with a soft cross he found a majestic header from David López who hit the net in the 9th minute, and Espanyol was ahead. But there was much time to go. It was necessary not to lose control or the advantage, and to look very confident. Llorente’s backwards header looking for a partner ended up bouncing off the crossbar. It was the best chance for the home team during the first half.

What was clear is that Real had to grit its teeth in the second half. Espanyol was not struggling, it felt strong and stood up, but a run from Oyarzabal ended in a precise cross to the small box and William José finished off with ease. The tie reassured the home team, who were still using the speed of their forwards to get closer to Diego López. However, Rufete’s boys had learned the lesson, and also sought to go on the counter-attack. First RDT and then Embarba tried from the distance. Diego López had to work hard on a shot by Monreal, in the best spell for the home team, which was rewarded soon after with a goal by Isak, taking advantage of a rebound inside the box to close the game.