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3-2: Defeat at the Sánchez Pizjuán

RCD Espanyol beaten late on away to Sevilla FC

RCD Espanyol lost 3-2 away from home to Sevilla on Thursday.

Luis García opted once again for a back five for the trip to the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, looking to continue their positive form and feelings. Brian Oliván returned to make his first start in two months, while Javi Puado came in to partner Joselu up top.

With Espanyol unable to find their flow due to persistent fouling, the first chance fell to Sevilla as Fernando Pacheco made an important save at point-blank range from Óliver Torres. The hosts would eventually strike first through Bryan Gil, who was initially ruled offside but was overturned by VAR for the lead.

The Mágico were not shaken and seemed to strike back when Sergi Darder’s cross was diverted in. Disallowed at first, referee Javier Alberola Rojas once again consulted VAR and gave the goal for Espanyol, an own goal in the end but a vital equaliser nonetheless just seven minutes after falling behind.

Joselu had a massive chance to put them in front, but he could not convert his one-on-one against Marko Dmitrović. Right before half-time, Oliván played it into Puado who delightfully curled his shot into the top corner to turn it around going into the break.

The second half saw Sevilla in charge as they pushed for the equaliser, almost getting it through Lucas Ocampos’ header. They won a penalty soon after from Vini Souza’s foul, and Ocampos once again had the chance to equalise and took it to level it up.

Sevilla were now in control and firmly in the match, as Ocampos once again was denied by the woodwork. The hosts turned it around and retook the lead with two minutes to go when Papa Gueye got in behind to complete the hosts’ comeback. It ended in defeat for Espanyol, who are now three points from safety with one month to go in the LaLiga season.

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Match information

Sevilla FC: Dmitrović, Jesús Navas, Gudelj, Rekik, Alex Telles (Acuña 46’), Gueye, Rakitić, Óliver T. (Badé 90’), Suso (Ocampos 33’), Bryan Gil (G. Montiel 76’), Rafa Mir (Y. En-Nesyri 46’)

RCD Espanyol: Pacheco, Óscar Gil, S. Gómez, C. Montes, Cabrera, B. Oliván (Rubén S. 66’), Denis Suárez (Edu Expósito 81’), Darder (Vini Souza 60’), Nico M.R. (K. Bare 81’), Joselu, Puado

Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas

Goals: 1-0 Bryan Gil 22’, 1-1 Rekik (o.g) 29’, 1-2 Puado 43’; 2-2 Ocampos (pen) 69’, 3-2 Gueye 88’

Bookings: Bryan Gil 45+2’; Denis Suárez 62’, Vini Souza 90+1’

Attendance: 35,391