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Match Report: Catalan derby ends 1-1

A late equaliser denies RCD Espanyol the win against Girona FC

RCD Espanyol's Catalan derby against Girona ended in a 1-1 draw, as Jofre Carreras' second half strike was cancelled out by a late penalty for the visitors, converted by one-time Perico Cristhian Stuani.

It was a meeting between two teams with different styles and opposing dynamics, as RCD Espanyol had experienced an upturn in form in recent matches. Manolo González's team, nevertheless, struggled to keep possession for long periods of time like their opponents in the early going.

The two clearest opportunities of the first half were for Javi Puado, on the occasion of his 200th game for the club.

In the first, the captain tried his luck with a long shot that goalkeeper Gazzaniga ended up catching.

The striker had another, clearer chance, after a great move by Jofre on the right wing. Howeer, Gazzaniga made the save again.

At the other end, the defence held off the visiting forwards well, and they failed to worry Joan García excessively.

The final stretch of the first half was overshadowed by a series of stoppages called by the referee, which only served to heat up the atmosphere.

The second half began with good news for Espanyol, in the form of an early goal. Jofre started his run from his own half, after a great pass from Urko González, and taking advantage of Puado's decoy run which opened up a considerable space in the defence, beat Gazzaniga with a cross-shot.

The goal brought about a notable improvement in RCD Espanyol's play, which began to be much more fluid. The forwards found more space and even midfielder Král joined the attack to provide danger. The Czech tried twice with his right foot, although he was not able to score.

In the closing minutes, Joan Garcia made a phenomenal save to prevent the equaliser, but there was to be one final twist in the game: A foul from Urko led to a penalty, which Stuani converted to share the points.