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Disappointing 1-4 defeat at RCDE Stadium

Espanyol lose a second consecutive home game against an effective Real Betis

RCD Espanyol ended a busy week with a painful defeat at the hands of Real Betis, who turned around a 1-0 deficit to win 1-4 at the RCDE Stadium. The loss was the team's second in a row at home, where they were strong in the first half of the campaign.

The team started well, with the clear intention of fighting for the victory. Raúl de Tomás provided the first warning with a soft header that Claudio Bravo caught without problems. It would be a sign of things to come, as on 14 minutes a cross from the same source -Óscar Gil- was met by RDT in the centre to sidefoot home.

Betis, who had come into the game off a superb showing against Alavés and a derby win over Sevilla, composed themselves and tried to attack the Espanyol goal. Their persistence brought with it controversy, as a ball played by Canales onto the arm of Aleix Vidal was given as a penalty after a VAR check.

Former Espanyol player Borja Iglesias converted from the spot, and the questionable decision served as a boost for Betis; moments later, from a corner, they managed to turn the score around thanks to a header from Guido Rodríguez.

Espanyol tried to react after the interval. Vicente Moreno's team came out convinced that an equaliser was possible, and had a series of approaches into the opposition area. However, luck was once again elusive for them, as Borja Iglesias took advantage of a loose ball flicked on by Canales to score Betis' third.

The introduction of Embarba provided Espanyol with an opportunity that he would strike over, and with more players committed forward, Willian José scored a fourth for Betis. In a final blow for Los Pericos, Raúl de Tomás was sent off in the closing moments, for two bookings in quick succession.

The team will not be in action until the return from the international break, in the Matchday 23 closer at San Mamés against Athletic Club.