Match Report: 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad closes the season
Los Pericos draw on Matchday 38
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona finished the LaLiga season with a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad. The away side took the lead through Oskarsson in the first half, but Roberto equalised for Los Pericos.
The team were determined to end the season with their third win in the final three matches, to put a positive spin on an otherwise inconsistent campaign.
Still in with an outside chance of European qualification, the players came out looking for the win against a Real Sociedad side that has been playing high-quality football for many weeks.
Carlos Romero had the first chance after five minutes, but opposition goalkeeper Marrero (in after an injury to Alex Remiro in the warmup) dealt with it well. Romero had another chance shortly after, and Antoniu Roca also had a shot graze the left post.
Roberto Fernández rushed though to try his luck, but defender Aramburu snatched the shot away at the last moment.
Just when Espanyol were playing their best football, Sergio Gómez delivered a powerful, low cross into the six-yard box, where Oskarsson dove to push the ball into the net past Fortuño.
The first half ended 0-1 to Real Sociedad.
Right from the start of the second half, each team had a golden opportunity. Real Sociedad enjoyed a shot from Oskarsson that Rubén Sánchez cleared off the line. Seconds later, Marrero denied Roberto.
Espanyol had the ball in the net a few minutes later, but Tyrhys Dolan's goal was disallowed because the referee had deemed there was a foul by Jofre at the start of the move.
Marrero then made another save from a powerful shot from Jofre, but there was still more to come.
Pere Milla conjured up a backheel flick to beat his marker on the edge of the area and set up Roberto, who finally beat Marrero to make it 1-1.
A cross-shot from Kike García struck the crossbar as the game entered its final stages. Espanyol persisted in their search for victory, although Real Sociedad also threatened in the final stages of the match, creating an end-to-end final spell. Goalkeepers Fortuño and Marrero kept the scoreline unchanged with their saves, and the contest ended 1-1.
RCD Espanyol finish the campaign in 11th place, with 46 points.
Gallery