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Match Report: 2-1 defeat at Reale Arena

RCD Espanyol fall to Real Sociedad on the road

RCD Espanyol lost 2-1 on their visit to the Reale Arena to play Real Sociedad, with Javi Puado's penalty not enough to earn them a point on Matchday 23.

The setbacks began during the warmup, as Pol Lozano felt discomfort and was withdrawn from the starting XI.

The home side put pressure on in the opening seconds, and a series of mistakes and slipups allowed Real Sociedad's Becker to convert past Joan García on 44 seconds.

Despite their advantage, Real Sociedad not overwhelm Los Pericos, but Joan García was required to make a pair of important saves.

Manolo González's team tried to fight back with counterattacks. The clearest chance was called back for a non-existent offside. Roberto Fernández had an opportunity off another long ball, coming close to surprising the home defence, but the Real Sociedad back line quickly rectified the mistake.

The RCD Espanyol coach decided to bring on Jofre Carreras and Alejo Veliz, in order to bolster the attack. The team improved and began to have more of an offensive presence.

Los Pericos moved their defensive line higher up and Leandro Cabrera's cutout with his head ended up at the feet of Puado, who was brought down for a penalty. The striker stepped up to convert and brought RCD Espanyol back on terms.

La Real countered with a triple change, introducing quality with Mikel Oyarzabal and Ander Barrenetxea. However, it was Espanyol who came close to scoring the second with a great counterattack that neither Veliz nor Roberto were able to finish off.

Unfortunately for Espanyol, in the closing stages of the match second half substitute Brais Mendez clipped the ball over Joan García from close range, giving the victory to Real Sociedad.