Back

Match Report: RCD Espanyol bow out of Copa del Rey

The team fall to a 2-0 defeat to UD Barbastro

RCD Espanyol were eliminated from the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 loss against UD Barbastro, in a game decided by effectiveness in front of goal.

Their opponents, a team from the Segunda RFEF who last season knocked out UD Almería and faced FC Barcelona, had qualified for this round after a resounding 4-0 win over Amorebieta.

RCD Espanyol started the game well, and in the first dangerous action Walid Cheddira hit the post off a great cross from Carlos Romero.

A spirited Ünüvar and an involved Bauza tried to maintain a high pace to the play, and Espanyol reached the opposition area with relative ease, although few of their actions ended in significant danger. Veliz and Cheddira had tame attempts, and the clearest chance came when Ünüvar failed to take advantage of a cross shot by Álvaro Tejero.

The second half started badly, as Tejero conceded a penalty and Sito Barrera converted to put the home team ahead.

Coach Manolo González made changes and Espanyol had two good chances to equalise. Romero was denied by Fabrega from a great opportunity, then the home goalkeeper was once again the hero by stopping a look on goal by Král.

Espanyol looked for the equaliser, but conceded again when Sito scored, leaving them out of the Copa del Rey.