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Match Report: 1-1 draw with Sevilla FC at RCDE Stadium

A late Marcos Fernández equaliser earns a share of the points

RCD Espanyol played out a 1-1 draw with Sevilla FC at the RCDE Stadium on LaLiga Matchday 4, as Marcos Fernández struck deep into stoppage time to level for Los Pericos.

Los Pericos Espanyol pressed forward in the opening minutes, and Sevilla FC goalkeeper Odysseas had to make a crucial save from a Javi Hernández shot early on. It was the first warning, but it quickly became clear that both teams were so evenly matched that they avoided any frivolous distractions in the midfield, and instead relied on their experience in both penalty areas. Ultimately their defensive strengths prevailed, thwarting any real chances.

Despite the intense heat and stifling humidity, the game remained a lively, back-and-forth affair -albeit without goals at the interval.

The second half began with a burst of energy. Eight minutes of play saw a close chance for RCD Espanyol's Àlex Calatrava, then a red card for last man Sangante for bringing down Roberto Fernández, and Omar El-Hilali's disallowed goal. The latter incident was controversial, due to an alleged offside position by Marcos Fernández.

The VAR decision disconcerted the home side and fueled Sevilla FC, who decided to sit back defensively and look for opportunities. This led to Stassin's goal, as he got ahead of the Espanyol defence and found the net to make it 0-1.

In the final surge, Marcos Fernández had a double effort, first hitting the crossbar and then, collecting the rebound, finding the back of the net. The goal was reviewed, to check whether Roberto was involved in play in an offside position, but it stood and the game ended 1-1.