Match Report: Goalless draw with Osasuna
RCD Espanyol play out a stalemate at the RCDE Stadium
Espanyol drew 0-0 against Osasuna in a tight game on LaLiga Matchday 17, a result that that leaves Los Pericos confident of their continuing to improve.
An orderly Osasuna, led by a pragmatic coach in Vicente Moreno required Espanyol to be patient, intense and prudent in order not to become disoriented. They started the match by setting the pace, making runs and looking to get around the back of the defence.
Javi Puado had the first opportunity, entering the box with intent, but his shot went wide.
Puado and Ivan Cardona had to fight to break down the defence, helped by the rest of their teammates when danger approached their area. No quarter was given, and Espanyol could not find gaps in the midfield or defence. However, neither did Osasuna provide any particular trouble, and their few chances were safely gathered by Joan García.
After the break, Espanyol took a step forward, but Osasuna also found the spaces that they did not have in the first half.
Kumbulla deflected an attempted shot by Rubén Peña and, shortly after, RCD Espanyol's Pol Lozano roused the crowd with a shot when surrounded by defenders, saved by goalkeeper Sergio Herrera. It was the best chance of the entire match, which concluded goalless.