Increasingly closer to relegation Espanyol loses to Osasuna in Laliga
2-0 victory over Espanyol, who remain in danger of relegation.
Osasuna wants that Conference Cup… and who knows, maybe even the Europa League after Rayo Vallecano’s victory, and they’re going to give it their all. With one ear on the Celta-Rayo match and the other on the fans’ spirits, the Reds jumped at Espanyol and their pressing needs, which were not few.
In just one minute, Espanyol gave a warning that they were going to sell themselves dearly when Puado found himself alone in front of Herrera and sent a shot over the bar. But it was a mirage, as Bryan took control on the left wing four times in a row, sending in vicious crosses from inside and outside, and shortly after, Torró smashed a header against the crossbar in the 5th minute.
Osasuna persisted, and in the 16th minute, their reward came with a rebound from outside the box by Aimar Oroz, assisted by Bryan, which grazed, as required, the Croatian’s thigh and groin, who deflected it just enough to prevent Joan from reaching it. 21 goals from him, who scores them when he looks for them and when he moves out of the way, tremendous: never has an Osasuna player scored so many goals in a single year to avoid reaching the Conference, or even higher.
That’s when Espanyol’s strength ebbed away, and they began to feel the vertigo of relegation in their stomachs as Osasuna also flew down the right wing with Areso and Rubén García , sometimes even with Budimir in support. Torró had a chance to make it 2-0 in the 25th minute, but Espanyol is top-notch when it comes to bailing out the waters. Ibáñez had a header on a counterattack between Torró and Aimar, who has the makings of a giant when he’s on the run.
After half an hour, Sadar had the urge to score 2-0, but at this stage of the season, when the heart of the game has its moments, Sergio saved the 1-1 in the 40th minute after a move between Roca and Urko, who fought fiercely against Catena and couldn’t score because Herrera saved it, yes, with that very thing, with Budimir’s crotch… Then Romero, after the corner, tested if Sergio was still hurt and saved well below. The Perico team ended up on top, but without any bite.
Second half and Espanyol presses
The second half started like the first, with Puado trying to give Herrera a scare from outside the box, and on the way back, Aimar and Budimir were creating fear. Espanyol had stepped up, warned of Leganés’ goals, and Expósito couldn’t equalize in the 56th minute because Herrera was inspired and pulled it back.
The substitutions brought some sting to the game, but Expósito took control of his team, and when that happens, Espanyol thrives. A move with Romero ended with a cross from the full-back and a point-blank shot from Roberto that was a sure goal, but it didn’t touch because it came out centered and Sergio saved it in handball mode. Puado then had a chance all alone, but the second touch meant he missed the equalizer in the 70th minute.
The captain collapsed there, leaving the team without his spark, and Sergio García, replacing Budimir , forgave the home side a 2-0 lead with a lightning-fast counterattack. He saved it for the final minute with a Champions League-worthy zigzag on the counterattack to score his third goal of the season in the 90th minute, keeping his hold on the Conference title and eying the Europa League dream, just a point away.
In between, Espanyol tried with increasing numbers, but with increasing risks and lacking clear chances. They will be playing for relegation against Las Palmas, already relegated, and a draw at home after Leganés’ victory in the final matchday won’t be enough.
