Match Report: 2-2 draw after strong start in San Sebastián
RCD Espanyol see a two-goal lead cancelled out against Real Sociedad
RCD Espanyol took a point on their travels against Real Sociedad on LaLiga Matchday 2, but were left feeling that they could have come away with the win. An impressive showing saw them go 0-2 up, before the home team made a comeback in the second period to share the spoils.
Real Sociedad made a lively start for Manolo González' men to contend with, and it was against the run of play that RCD Espanyol took the lead. They fought for a ball in midfield, culminating in a combination between Roberto Fernández and Pere Milla for the latter to score in the ninth minute.
A very active Tyrhys Dolan had a pair of chances minutes later, followed by a shot from Edu Expósito from the edge of the box that ended up grazing the post.
The minutes ticked by and RCD Espanyol remained resolute and unwavering, nullifying any spark from the home team.
In the 32nd minute, Real Sociedad's Take Kubo ended up colliding with Leandro Cabrera as he tried to break into the box. The crowd called for a penalty, but it rightly fell on deaf ears.
Ten minutes later, at the other end, Jon Martín grabbed Roberto as he headed towards goal -and this time the spot kick was awarded. Javi Puado's penalty was initially saved by goalkeeper Alex Remiro, but VAR ordered a retake for encroachment from a defender. Second time around, the striker successfully converted to make it 0-2.
The second half began calmly for RCD Espanyol. Real Sociedad couldn't find a way through the defence initially, but in an unfortunate moment, Omar El Hilali slipped while trying to control the ball and Jon Barrenetxea was able to reduce the deficit for the Basque team.
Eight minutes later, Oskarsson broke away from his marker to beat Dmitrović, after the ball had grazed Miguel Rubio.
With the score tied at 2-2, Espanyol had one last chance: Puado struck wide in stoppage time, and the game ended in a stalemate.
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