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Slim defeat to Rayo comes amidst further controversy

RCD Espanyol are handed a 0-1 loss at home

RCD Espanyol suffered another controversial defeat at the RCDE Stadium, as a refereeing decision deprived them of obtaining a positive result against Rayo Vallecano in midweek LaLiga action. A disputed goal scored by Sergi Guardiola was the difference maker in a 0-1 defeat.

Having offered a great showing at the Wanda Metropolitano the previous weekend, the team wanted to get back to winning ways on home soil. Coach Vicente Moreno reverted to his regular gameplan and brought in Yangel Herrera instead of Sergi Gómez in the starting lineup.

Los Pericos found themselves up against a well organised Rayo, albeit without excessive ideas in attack. A very tactical game saw neither team wanting to take risks or make mistakes. Although Espanyol managed play well, they lacked some precision in the final third.

The goal came in the first half, and Rayo went ahead from a move from which it appeared as if Guardiola was in an offside position.

Espanyol did not feel comfortable after the break, whilst Rayo Vallecano imposed the pace that best suited them. Moreno's team had a hard time finding spaces and rarely troubled goalkeeper Dimetrievski, who wasted time on every occasion that the ball was in his possession.

Los Pericos could not find a way to break down their opponents, who ended up taking all three points.

Next up for the team is a game against Real Madrid, on Saturday, April 30th.