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RCD Espanyol exit Copa del Rey
A 2-1 loss to Mallorca ends Los Pericos' cup hopes
RCD Espanyol were eliminated from the Copa del Rey by RCD Mallorca at the Round of 16 stage, losing 2-1 in the Balearics. The team were able to pull a goal back through a strike from Javi Puado, but exited the cup competition.
Both teams were aware of how much was at stake in the single-game format, and the game began as a heavily tactical affair. Vicente Moreno's men had the first chances of the game, as Aleix Vidal, Pedrosa and Raúl de Tomás all put the opposition goalkeeper to the test. At the other end, Diego López was but a mere spectator until past the half-hour mark.
However, a free kick on the edge of the Espanyol was executed flawlessly by Mallorca's Take Kubo to put the home team ahead.
Before the break, Los Pericos had further chances, without any shots at Leo Román's goal.
Moreno began the second half by making changes. Melendo was one of the players brought on, and almost immediately set up RDT for a shot just slightly off target. Espanyol continued to get closer to the opposition goal, and Keidi Baré had a chance of his own go wide.
However, Mallorca striker Abdon Prats would double his side's lead with a header off a corner.
With the score at 2-0, Javi Puado took advantage of a free kick that Pedrosa took quickly to close the gap. Offside was initially signalled, but the decision went to VAR and was given -after 6 minutes of deliberation.
RCD Mallorca did everything in their power to shut down the game late on, and although Wu Lei had a shot trouble Leo Román, the home team would hold out for the victory.
Espanyol now turn their attention to LaLiga, and a Friday night fixture against Real Betis at the RCDE Stadium.