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Match Report: 1-1 draw away to Sevilla FC

RCD Espanyol are held to a stalemate after Kumbulla's opener

RCD Espanyol took a 1-1 draw against Sevilla FC at the Sánchez-Pizjuán in LaLiga, as Kumbulla’s early goal was cancelled out by an equaliser from the home side in the second half.

Looking to carry over their more impressive home form into the away game, Manolo González’ men had their gameplan clear from the start: Disciplined at the back, they applied pressure and minimised spaces to generate discomfort for Sevilla FC.

Although Los Pericos looked a little hasty initially, this time they claimed an early lead thanks to a set piece. Tejero put in a ball that ended up at Kumbulla's boots, and the centre-back hooked a shot into the net to make it 0-1.

Lukebakio, who had been the difference maker in the first encounter between the two teams, tested Joan Garcia, as the RCD Espanyol goalkeeper tipped his effort onto the crossbar.

From the next move, it was the post that prevented Bade from scoring for the home team. That was followed by Juanlu shooting wide.

RCD Espanyol also had chances. Jofre made a very good move, but neither his pass to Roberto nor his subsequent shot on goal were rewarded with a goal. Before the break, in a similar effort he was unable to connect with Puado to score the second goal of the game.

As expected, Sevilla began to press from the start of the second half. Espanyol barely had the ball and began to retreat. Joan Garcia again intervened to deny Lukebakio's goal early on.

Later, VAR had to intervene to disallow a Sevilla goal for a clear foul on Cabrera, who had been pushed into his goalkeeper.

However, Sevilla’s persistence ended up with Badé's equaliser to take the score to 1-1.

Joan Garcia saved again from Lukebakio and, a few minutes into stoppage time, Calero could have scored from a corner, but his header went wide of the far post as the spoils were shared.