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Match Report: 1-2 loss to Real Betis
RCD Espanyol fall to a first home defeat
RCD Espanyol lost at home for the first time this season on Matchday 8, as despite going ahead through a first half goal from Pol Lozano, they were beaten by two goals for Real Betis in the second half.
So far this campaign, games at the RCDE Stadium have provided exciting action and a unique bond between the team and the fans. The latest home fixture saw Los Pericos up against one of the strongest squads in the competition -and a team who had beaten them last season with a late turnaround.
Coach Manolo González opted for a very attacking lineup to try to secure the three points, with the additions of Leandro Cabrera and Edu Expósito.
The opening goal came after just 15 minutes, as Pol Lozano latched onto a rebound on the edge of the box and slotted the ball past the opposition goalkeeper, scoring his first official goal for the club.
RCD Espanyol’s dynamic, lively, and daring play provided some great moments of football, and only a lack of precision on the final ball prevented them from extending their lead.
A back-and-forth game, played at a very high pace, descended into confrontation when Javi Puado and Betis’ Antony squared up to one another. Both received yellow cards, although several other Betis players had been shoving the captain and escaped bookings.
RCD Espanyol lost focus in the closing stages of the first half, although they had some good counterattacks to continue to trouble the opposing defence.
The second half started at a very high pace, with clear chances for both teams. Carlos Romero hit a wonderful strike with his right foot, and came close to beating Pau López. The goalkeeper also prevented a second goal from a Pere Milla shot, sent towards goal from a cross by Romero.
In the RCD Espanyol area, Marko Dmitrovic, with the help of the crossbar, prevented an equaliser. However, he could not keep out a header from Cucho Hernández that levelled the game.
Despite the setback, Espanyol continued to go forward, but a deadly counterattack -including a clever control by Abde- led to the second goal for Betis.
González introduced Koleosho and Kike García, and Roberto, following a cross from Pol Lozano, came close to scoring.
RCD Espanyol then won a penalty deep into stoppage time, which was entrusted to captain Puado to take. Goalkeeper Pau López guessed correctly to save the spot kick, and the game ended 1-2 to the visitors.