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2-1: The fight continues

RCD Espanyol come from behind to overcome Albacete Balompié and return to the top two

RCD Espanyol earned an important three points in a 2-1 win against Albacete Balompié on Sunday.

With the race for promotion only getting tighter, Espanyol’s early chances counted for little when Albacete struck first inside 10 minutes. But the response would come quickly, and in style, as Jofre Carreras collected the ball on the edge of the box and guided it delightfully into the back of the net thanks to the help of the woodwork.

It was a first half of counter attacks, one after another, but perhaps the best one for Espanyol was unbelievably denied when referee Óliver de la Fuente Ramos pulled it back for a foul in the build-up, despite Jofre being through on goal. A lengthy period of additional time due to a medical emergency in the stands left it all square at the break.

Into the second half and Albacete started strongest, and they almost struck through Manu Fuster but Joan García got down brilliantly to deny him. That allowed Espanyol to go up the other end, Jofre threading it through to Nico Melamed who dinked it over the keeper to bring the Mágico in front.

Espanyol finally had control of the encounter, but that would be turned on its head when Álvaro Aguado was sent off after a VAR review. González was forced to sacrifice Melamed to restore the midfield trio, bringing on Keidi Bare to steady the ship.

The remaining half hour saw intense pressure from Albacete, and they were searching for the equaliser right up until the final kick. Espanyol stood strong and saw out the result, a massive victory which moves them into the automatic promotion spots and that bit closer to the ultimate goal.