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Match Report: WE'RE BACK!

A 2-0 win at home against Real Oviedo gives RCD Espanyol promotion

RCD Espanyol returned to the Primera División at the first time of asking, thanks to a playoff final second leg turnaround against Real Oviedo. Heading into the game at a 0-1 disadvantage, Los Pericos rallied at the Stage Front Stadium to win 2-0, earning an aggregate victory that took them to promotion.

An incredible atmosphere greeted the players upon their arrival, in what was one of the biggest games in the club's history. The influence of the fans boosted RCD Espanyol, who started in intense fashion typical of their playoff campaign.

After a good start, RCD Espanyol began to suffer from timewasting tactics from the visitors and adverse refereeing decisions. Besides a shot by Nico Melamed, they experienced great difficulty in getting into the opposition box.

The key spell in the contest came just before halftime, as Javi Puado played the hero on two occasions: First, he finished off a corner that had fallen inside the area. Then, just moments later, he converted a quality move from Pere Milla to turn the tie around as the Stage Front Stadium erupted in delight.

The second half kicked off with Espanyol focused and trying to manage their advantage against opponents who were obliged to attack. A practical approach from Manolo González's team kept Oviedo in check, bar a couple of late scares in the final minutes.
The final score of 2-0 on the night (2-0 on aggregate), took RCD Espanyol back to the promised land, after just a single season away.