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Match Report: 1-1 draw with Athletic Club

The spoils are shared at the RCDE Stadium

RCD Espanyol held in-form Athletic Club to a 1-1 draw at the RCDE Stadium on LaLiga Matchday 24. A goal from Roberto Fernández put Los Pericos ahead, but the visitors equalised before the end through Oihan Sancet.

One of the best sides at home since the turn of the new year, Espanyol faced a team on a 14-game unbeaten run. Coach Manolo González had several of his regular starters back for the contest.

The first clear opportunity of the match went to Jofre Carreras. He got in behind his marker and tested the reflexes of goalkeeper Unai Simón, who made the save. Later, in another foray down the right wing, he put a good ball in to Javi Puado, who headed just wide.

Another shot, this time from Carlos Romero, provided another serious warning, as RCD Espanyol only needed a little more precision from set pieces to enjoy success.

In defence, they barely allowed Athletic Club room to manoeuvre, and the visitors shot once in the first half. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia made the stop on that occasion.

Pol Lozano and Urko González impressed in the double pivot, as Espanyol managed to neutralise the visitors' high press.

In the second half, Roberto Fernández battled to finish the limited chances he had, and he opened the scoring just past the hour with a goal that Raúl Tamudo himself would have been proud of. The forward made a fast sprint and surprised Unai Simñon with his shot to score.

Athletic Club quickly made changes and started to get more shots on goal, although it was starter Sancet who scored the equaliser from a corner after his shot hit Calero. 

The scoreline remained 1-1 at the final whistle, and the point lifted RCD Espanyol back out of the relegation zone.