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Match Report: Advantage RCD Espanyol

A 0-1 triumph over Sporting Gijon puts Los Pericos in the playoff driving seat

RCD Espanyol drew first blood in their LaLiga Hypermotion playoff semifinal with Sporting Gijon, beating the Asturian side 0-1 in the first leg. Javi Puado found the net late on to give Los Pericos a slim lead in the tie, which will be resolved on Thursday night at the Stagefront Stadium.

El Molinon was packed to capacity for the encounter, and both teams put on a spectacle that involved plenty of action. Before the game got underway, a special tifo, mosaic and performances were put on to build the atmosphere.

The two coaches set up their teams to attack, and Manolo González made changes to put El Hilali, Gragera, Jofre and Nico Melamed into the starting XI.

Espanyol came out strongly and, following the precedent set in recent games, pressed very high, making Sporting Gijón extremely uncomfortable and recovering a large number of loose balls. The home team did, however have their chances in an intense 45 minutes.

After Melamed struck over from close range, ounterattacks from Sporting's Hassan caused problems down the right flank. Luckily, an inspired Joan García was also on form to prevent a goal from a good shot by Gaspar.

Before the break, there were a pair of magnificent opportunities to score. The clearest, a shot by Puado off a pass across from Braithwaite on the break, found its way outside the post. Espanyol insisted with another good shot from Braithwaite himself, after a pass from Jofre on the right wing.

After a goalless first half, Manolo González decided to refresh the team with the introduction of Brian Oliván for Pere Milla -playing out of his regular position in a new role as rightback- and Salvi coming on for an exhausted Jofre.

Sporting had their share of possession, generating doubt in the defence although without worrying Joan García too much.

Former Espanyol player Campuzano's arrival on the field gave his team a little more bite, but Los Pericos responded to his effort with a quality chance: A shot by Braithwaite that goalkeeper Yáñez cleared.

The effort finally got its reward when Braithwaite threaded through a pass to Puado, who rounded the keeper and finished off in the 89th minute. RCD Espanyol carry a one-goal advantage into the second encounter.