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Match Report: Slim defeat in the Canary Islands

RCD Espanyol lose 1-0 to UD Las Palmas

RCD Espanyol closed 2024 with a defeat on the road against UD Las Palmas, in a hotly contested encounter decided by a solitary goal. The 1-0 result was a downbeat end to the calendar year, going into the Christmas break.

There was an eventful start to the match with many losses of possession, a disjointed pace to play and even some trickery from the home side -such as an alleged injury to Cillesen with the sole aim of wasting time so that Essugo could head to the bathroom.

Espanyol were well set up, but neither side took excessive risks in the first half. When Los Pericos advanced and tried with a couple of long shots from Tejero and Král that went wide, the game opened up slightly, and the first serious warning was a shot almost from the centre of the park from Puado that went wide.

More patient with the ball than in previous matches, as a result of that confidence they were able to gain prominence on the pitch. The best move of the first period came when Roca grabbed a ball high up the pitch and moved forward to serve to Puado, who could not connect with the necessary force to overcome the home team's goalkeeper.

RCD Espanyol started the second half very well, more settled than in previous matches and not hesitatating to take control. Puado continued to provide problems with his constant runs, while Roca contributed with runs on the right wing. He had the clearest chance of the early stages, with a shot that Cillesen had some difficulty pushing away.

Unfortunately, the good work went to waste. A foul on the edge of the box was taken advantage of by Sandro Ramirez, who struck the ball in to hand Las Palmas the lead.

The damage could have been worsened on the next move, but El Hilali cut out the chance.

Focused on attacking, Espanyol came close to equalising thanks to a cross from Jofre in the six-yard box that no one was able to finish, and in the end they left the Canary Islands empty handed.

The positive from the game was the return of Edu Expósito after overcoming a long-term knee injury.