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MATCH REPORT: Early goals lead to 3-1 loss to Celta

Espanyol lose on the road, in a match marked by early strikes from Celta Vigo at the start of each half

Espanyol suffered defeat in Vigo at the hands of Celta in LaLiga's Matchday 18 Friday night fixture, conceding goals early in both halves of the game. Loren Morón would score a spectacular consolation goal, as a positive run of three consecutive wins in all competitions came to an end.

Celta made an intense start, and on 3 minutes they would find the opening as Iago Aspas and Santi Mina combined with a one-two, the latter besting Diego López from close range.

Vicente Moreno's side recovered immediately and RDT set up Javi Puado inside the area, although the Catalan forward missed out on finishing the chance by a matter of centimetres. What followed were moments of intensity and many long possession attempts by both teams.

Celta's Brais Mendez came close with a shot around the post, whilst at the other end Puado was played in off a counter led by Aleix Vidal , striking his shot cleanly but seeing it saved by goalkeeper Dituro.

Two minutes into the second half, Iago Aspas emerged from the right and his shot, which touched at the base of the post, ended up in the net. The setback inspired Espanyol into another step forward, but it was not enough. They had clearer intention, were more insistent in attack, and spent more minutes in the Celta half, but to no avail.

Denis Suárez made it 3-0, almost at the end of the game, amidst appeals for offside.

To round the game off, Loren Morón notched his first LaLiga goal for RCD Espanyol, spotting the goalkeeper off his line and shooting from just inside the Celta half.

Espanyol will have a final game of 2021 away at Mestalla, against Valencia CF on December 31st.