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Match Report: 1-1 draw with Valencia CF at the RCDE Stadium

Puado scores in the stalemate

RCD Espanyol were held to a draw by Valencia CF in a rescheduled midweek game at the RCDE Stadium, as Javi Puado's first half goal was cancelled out by a Diego López strike in the second period. The 1-1 draw leaves both teams dissatisfied, coming against direct rivals at the bottom of the table.

Manolo González brought back Omar El-Hilali and Jofre Carreras to his first XI, and used Justin Smith to replace the suspended Pol Lozano.

Espanyol looked to play the ball over the two Valencia CF centre backs, taking advantage of the speed of Puado, Jofre and Cheddira. The captain was the one who best interpreted the strategy, and participated in all of his team's offensive actions. The crossbar prevented the forward on one occastion, then he tried again with a header that went across the face of goal. Shortly after, he missed a one-on-one with opposition goalkeeper Dimitrievski.

Puado, however, did not give up -and ended up achieving his objective. Antoniu Roca, a starter again after his good performance against Osasuna, put a great ball into the area that the captain finished in unstoppable style into the back of the net.

The good work of the first half went to waste a few minutes after the restart. Valencia CF, who had previously only created danger with a shot by Diego López against the woodwork, managed to equalise thanks to him, as he latched onto a loose ball in the area.

Espanyol responded quickly with a good offensive move originated by Puado and finished by Jofre Carreras, disallowed for offside due to an offside by Cheddira.

Espanyol recovered and continued to enjoy good minutes, although they were given a scare by their former player Dani Gómez, who squandered a clear opportunity in the six-yard box.

The game concluded 1-1 at the RCDE Stadium.