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Match Report: 2-1 loss away to Alavés
RCD Espanyol fall to defeat at Mendizorroza
RCD Espanyol fought valiantly for points in their LaLiga Matchday 11 game against Deportivo Alavés, but fell to a 2-1 defeat at Mendizorroza.
The Sunday fixture in Vitoria bore little resemblance to the one played in February of this year, when both teams were involved in a relegation battle. This season, neither side are thus far facing the struggles of the 2024/25 campaign.
Deportivo Alavés started stronger, pinning Espanyol back in their own half. Manolo González's team struggled to find a way to contain a growing confidence from their opponents.
A defensive lapse led to the home side going ahead. Alavés’ first clear chance saw Denis Suárez opening the scoring with a comfortable finish against his former club.
Apart from a tame free-kick from Edu Expósito, Espanyol had limited chances to get back on terms. Defensively, Dmitrović made two crucial saves in quick succession, keeping his team in contention.
After a few minutes of confusion in their passing and rare disorganisation, Espanyol settled into the game and began to create more dangerous chances in the opposition area. Jofre, who had earned a starting spot, was the architect of the clearest opportunities, although none of his runs resulted in a goal.
Roca and Edu Expósito came close to scoring, as did Pere Milla, who tried to surprise goalkeeper Antonio Sivera with a long-range shot.
It seemed that Espanyol were closing in on an equaliser, but another defensive lapse led to the home side's second goal, scored by Lucas Boyé.
Before halftime, Cabrera had one last opportunity with a cross-shot that crashed against the post.
Manolo González made changes at halftime, bringing on Tyrhys Dolan and Roberto Fernández for Roca and Jofre. The striker, somewhat frustrated this season by his lack of accuracy in front of goal, gave a warning shot with his left foot almost immediately.
On the next attack, he made no mistake: The number 9 capitalised on a well-placed cross from Carlos Romero on the left wing and finished past Sivera to make it 2-1.
The game took on a new dimension, although it was marred by an injury to Kike García.
Roberto was fully engaged and continued to relentlessly pursue a goal. Despite a late surge, Espanyol side couldn't find a strike to level the scoreline, and left Mendizorroza with the feeling that they deserved more than a 2-1 loss.