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Match Report: Superb 0-4 win against Rayo Vallecano

RCD Espanyol have one of their best performances of the season

RCD Espanyol took a terrific 0-4 win against Rayo Vallecano to kick off LaLiga Matchday 30, earning a result that moves Los Pericos further clear of the relegation zone.

After a somewhat timid start, Espanyol became a whirlwind. Manolo González's team enjoyed a spectacular first half.

An opening goal from Leandro Cabrera -making his 200th appearance for RCD Espanyol-came from a corner delivered in by Edu Expósito. Just 10 minutes in, the team were ahead at Valleca.

Roberto Fernández added to the scoring five minutes later, after a great move by captain Javi Puado.

González' decision to field Expósito and Roca in his starting lineup brought dynamism to the team.

Urko dominated the midfield and controlled the game, stealing the ball and displaying excellent vision, as well as collecting rebounds in the middle of the park. He was accompanied by Pol Lozano in the centre, holding possession for RCD Espanyol.

Puado had two similar chances that went unrewarded, and Christian Romero took advantage of the home side's defensive weakness on the right flank to continually get into the opponent's area.

Roca then played a pass on the edge of the box to Roberto, who, after his goal, had two more chances.

For the first time in eight years, RCD Espanyol went into halftime with a two-goal lead.

After a superb first half from Los Pericos, a Rayo Vallecano reaction was expected in the second period. The home side changed radically, whilst RCD Espanyol, lacked the freshness nor the lucidity of the first half.

Nevertheless, Puado and Roberto came very close to extending the lead, but without successful finishing touches. At the other end, Joan García kept his team steady with a series of saves.

Finally, Espanyol increased the advantage, off a move that ended with a penalty awarded to Roberto. Puado, the captain, assumed the responsibility and scored his tenth goal of the season, a new personal record in the top flight.

Finally, Pere Milla completed the rout with a goal that made it 4-0, rewarding Espanyol's total dominance.