2-1: Still on a winning streak...
Goals from Embarba and RDT set Espanyol up for another victory against a very solid Lugo
Espanyol won their third consecutive victory against CD Lugo, extending their lead in the league table. Goals from Embarba and RDT keep the Blue and Whites at the top with three very important points against an opponent who fought hard to outdo Vicente Moreno's men right until the final whistle.
Lugo kept the pressure on, closed gaps well and made sure that Espanyol were never at ease, making it hard for them to put Cantero's goal in danger. Coming to the RCDE Stadium in great spirits and with a great track record in the league, the Galician team confirmed that they are on a high right now, giving them an extra confidence boost for the match. Vicente Moreno's team knew what they were facing and prepared for a tough battle out on the pitch. It was a rough game from the beginning, with few opportunities and with a highly motivated Lugo managing to put the brakes on Espanyol. After last Monday's exhibition against Malaga, Espanyol struggled to find the pace to dominate their rival.
However, despite the difficulties, Espanyol managed to get ahead thanks to a goal from Embarba, who found himself in front of goal and put home a great shot. The number 23 took advantage of a pass from Pedrosa to get past Cantero. It seemed as though that goal would break the ice on the game, but there was a big surprise shortly afterwards: The Galician made up for it shortly afterwards by saving a long range shot from Herrera.
Espanyol came out more psyched in the second half, conscious that they needed to be patient to defeat such a disciplined opponent. As Vicente Moreno claimed in the opening ceremony, Espanyol kept possession for longer and ultimately started to break down the visitors' armour. The improvement saw RDT score after a great pass from Embarba. The deal was almost sealed when a good pass from M. Llambrich set up RDT, but his shot went wide. Lugo did not give up and decided to move up the field. Rallied by their physical strength, the Lugo team kept pushing Espanyol who had started to fade. The Blue and White's coach told his players to take control of the game, but the lively play from the opposition kept him suffering until the final whistle. David López kept the ball out of the danger zone, keeping the rival attackers at bay in the final nail biting minutes of play.