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Copa del Rey campaign continues with 1-2 win
Gómez strikes late in a 1-2 win over Palencia Cristo Atlético
Espanyol continued their Copa del Rey campaign with a win against Palencia Cristo Atlético, in what was a game typical of the knockout competition. Los Pericos enjoyed the better of the chances, but needed a late winner by Sergi Gómez to progress 1-2.
Palencia Cristo Atlético enjoyed a dream start to the contest, as they scored from their very first chance. With the advantage established, there would be no more approaches on goal from the hosts in the opening 45 minutes.
Espanyol sped up their tempo, and increased the danger that they provided. Wu Lei was the first to do so with a header over, and shortly after he would get the ball into the net, but the referee disallowed the goal for a controversial offside call against Loren.
The Andalusian striker created the best opportunity of the entire first half for Espanyol, but his shot, inside the six-yard-box, went over. Before the break, a new opportunity came to Morlanes, as well as a free kick from Embarba that forced the goalkeeper into action.
Espanyol came out very determined for the second half, and after just 25 seconds they tied the game after a combination between Embarba, Loren and Wu Lei -the Chinese striker finishing flawlessly for the equaliser.
Just a minute later, Wu Lei had the opportunity to increase his tally, but the opposition goalkeeper smothered the chance with a sprint off his line.
Further chances followed for Aleix Vidal, Melendo and Puado, with the home defence throwing bodies in the way on each occasion. Just when it seemed as if the game would be heading into extra time, Sergi Gómez snatched the victory with five minutes to go, striking to make it 1-2 with a shot from inside the area.
Darder missed out in a chance to extend the score in stoppage time, but Espanyol nevertheless made it through to the next round of the Copa del Rey.