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Match Report: Back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory

RCD Espanyol take a vital three points against Celta Vigo

RCD Espanyol put in a great performance and claimed a much needed victory in their game against Celta Vigo, winning 3-1 at home.

It was very important for Los Pericos to get a victory that would allow them to end their bad run of results and regain the confidence they had lost after recent results. They produced one of their best displays of the season to do that.

Coach Manolo González introduced several changes to the starting XI and, as he indicated in the pre-match press conference, chose to simplify his game plan in order to find a new starting point for his team.

Celta came out agressively, as expected, against an Espanyol that tried to settle in. With a very energetic Justin and Pol Lozano sweeping up all the loose balls in defence, Los Perisos grew in terms of consistency.

Once they had overcome the initial phase, in which there was only one cross-shot from Celta Vigo to trouble them, RCD Espanyol began to take steps forward. Jofre, after a cross from Javi Puado, was very close to scoring, while Irivn Cardona broke through and was not quite able to pass to his fellow striker.

It was Cardona who got the opening goal, as the forward grabbed a ball practically in his area and went upfield to beat goalkeeper Vicente Guaita with a spectacular shot.

The second half began with a golden opportunity for Espanyol. Jofre received a good pass from Cabrera from his own half, but the was not precise in his finish. He remained persistent and put Guaita's reflexes to the test with a well-placed shot from the edge of the box that ended up in a corner.

That subsequent corner kick fell at the feet of Leandro Cabrera who scored the second with an excellent shot.

The tireless Jofre enjoyed another opportunity with a volley that went over, but Celta reduced the deficit with a goal from Iago Aspas from the penalty spot.

Fortunately, Cheddira allayed any fears by scoring the third, as RCD Espanyol triumphed on Matchday 15.