Back

On to the playoff final

RCD Espanyol go through after a 0-0 draw with Sporting Gijon

RCD Espanyol made good on their first leg win against Sporting Gijon in the promotion playoffs by holding their opponents to a 0-0 draw at the Stage Front Stadium, sending them through to the final. They will now meet Real Oviedo with a place in the Spanish top flight on the line.

Once again, the game had intensity, pace, clear opportunities for both sides and great football. Each team employed their own style, but played attacking football in search of goals.

Espanyol could have taken the lead after a few seconds, off a textbook counterattack that Javi Puado finished off with a shot over the crossbar.

Manolo González's team continued to threaten with many attempts, in particular for Martin Braithwaite from two headers and Nico Melamed from distance.

Sporting Gijon tried to generate superiority on the wing with Hassan, as he tried to take on makeshift leftback Pere Milla in individual duels. For the Asturians, Otero and Mario had the clearest opportunities to score, but both put their efforts wide.

Espanyol closed the first half still holding the advantage in the tie, although were perhaps a little more hasty than on the previous Sunday at El Molinón. Controlling emotions was going to be key in the outcome of the second half, and they sought to calm things down against opponents who also took a more measured approach.

The home team had the best chances to go ahead, including a shot against the post by Braithwaite followed by a powerful deflected shot from Brian Oliván.

The final minutes were heart-stopping, and saw an own goal in Espanyol's favour disallowed for offside against Braithwaite. Shortly after, the referee sent off El Hilali, showing him a straight red card for a foul in the middle of the park.

Los Pericos held on to go through 1-0 on aggregate, moving into the playoff finals.