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Match Report: 3-2 loss away to CD Leganés
RCD Espanyol lose on Matchday 35
Espanyol suffered a third consecutive defeat against CD Leganés, losing 3-2 at Butarque against a side fighting for their future in the top flight.
The absences of Omar El Hilali, through suspension, and Pol Lozano, due to injury, forced coach Manolo González to make several changes to his starting lineup. Fernando Calero came into the defence and Alexander Král replaced Lozano in midfield. Jofre Carreras returned to the starting lineup in his usual rotation with Antoniu Roca.
Espanyol started well, with a dangerous attack that they came within inches of finishing off. However, Los Pericos lacked continuity and were overwhelmed by the intensity of a Leganés side that treated the match like a final.
Dani Raba gave a warning to RCD Espanyol with a long-range shot, and Munir forced Joan García to make his first save of the day. The first major scare came after a set piece that Jorge Sáenz struck towards goal, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Cisse took a shot from the edge of the box for CD Leganés, while Espanyol still looked to get their attacking players moving. Their best chance came after a good combination that Edu Expósito met with a shot that went just wide of the post.
From the next play, Cisse opened the scoring for the home side, and they continued to press and got their second through Neyou.
With the team 2-0 down, Manolo González made substitutions after the break, but the team were unable to react. There was a lack of clarity and precision, while Leganés sealed the victory with Dani Raba's goal.
Despite the 3-0 deficit, Espanyol showed some pride in the final minutes. Cabrera scored with a header, Cheddira had a goal ruled out for offside, and Pere Milla made it 3-2, but it was not enough to avoid a defeat that means survival is still not mathematically confirmed.