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Espanyol lose at Vallecas through an own goal (0-1)

Los Pericos are beaten by Rayo Vallecano

RCD Espanyol fell at Vallecas to Rayo Vallecano on Matchday 16, as a Leandro Cabrera own goal proved to be the difference between the two sides. A game that was tense until the final whistle, between two teams newly promoted to the top flight, saw Los Pericos leave empty handed despite having the better of the chances.

One of the breakout sides this season, Rayo came into the game in good form. They looked to cause problems for the RCD Espanyol defence through Sergi Guardiola, Isi and Álvaro, whose pace made things tricky at the back. Aleix Vidal, Sergi Gómez, Cabrera and Pedrosa were all alert to abort their attacks.

Whilst solid at the back, it was difficult for RCD Espanyol to reach Dimitrievski's goal for opportunities to break the deadlock. The first to carve out a chance was Puado with a shot into the side netting. Immediately after, a header from RDT brought the opposition goalkeeper into action.

Rayo's response came with a header from Catena from a corner.

In first half stoppage time, Isi provided a nervous moment for Los Pericos when he sent a ball along the goal line from inside the box, but the opening period ended 0-0.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Rayo found their goal with some misfortune for RCD Espanyol: Cabrera tried to cut out Álvaro's cross and the ball ended up in the back of the net, handing the home side a 1-0 lead.

From then on, Rayo slowed things down to try to preserve their advantage, although RCD Espanyol would enjoy chances. Puado forced the goalkeeper into another save, and Loren was close to reaching the rebound. Pedrosa also tried with a long shot, with the goalkeeper again preventing an equaliser.

After a final spell in which there were numerous fouls and breaks in play, the contest concluded 1-0 to the home side.