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Match Report: RCD Espanyol pay the penalty in controversial game

A late retaken spot kick denies a share of the points against RCD Mallorca

RCD Espanyol fell to a 2-1 defeat against RCD Mallorca on LaLiga Matchday 28, with a total of four penalties awarded against them in the second half.

Los Pericos wanted to continue their recent progress and get a good result away from home, to head into the international break in the best possible position.

From the start, RCD Espanyol were well organised defensively, preventing RCD Mallorca from making use of space. Opposition coach Jagoba Arrasate opted for two central midfielders in Sergi Darder and Manu Morlanes, but Los Pericos' approach prevented them from establishing continuity in their play.

RCD Espanyol were able to find plenty of space and create direct duels between defenders and attackers. The first clear chance of the match fell to Edu Expósito, but his left-footed shot went just wide.

The only chance for the home team in the early going came from Asano's shot wide from a narrow angle.

Manolo González's team showed composure in attack, and only a lack of accuracy in their finishing prevented them from creating more danger.

After the interval, they came out even better, and began to look more potent in the final metres. Set pieces were used to create opportunities, as Leandro Cabrera shot off target from a corner.

Mallorca's Vedat Muriqi ended up providing RCD Espanyol with the opening goal, as his attempted clearance from Edu Expósito's cross was headed into his own net.

Joan Garcia made a superb save from a Muriqi penalty shortly afterwards, in a game that brought spot kicks to the fore.

The referee waved away an appeal for a penalty for a foul on Jofre, and following that an Asano header found its way past Garcia to make it 1-1.

Espanyol could have turned the game back in their favour with a good counterattack finished by Puado, but the captain's shot went just wide of the post.

Controversy arose again with another decision by referee Quintero González, who awarded a penalty for a Kumbulla handball. A VAR review led to the referee's decision being overruled.

Another penalty was awarded against Espanyol, this time for a foul by Cabrera on Abdón Prats. Joan Garcia made another immense save, but the referee decided to award a fourth spot kick upon the instruction of VAR. It was unclear if it was for encrouchment in the previous take, or a new incident altogether, but this time around Muriqi converted to deny Espanyol a draw.