Back

Match Report: Derby defeat leaves work still to do

RCD Espanyol fall 0-2 to FC Barcelona

Despite a daring, energetic display, RCD Espanyol came up short in the derby with FC Barcelona, losing 0-2 at the RCDE Stadium.

The team went into the derby hoping to mathematically secure survival in the Primera División, to play an FC Barcelona side who had the chance to clinch the LaLiga title on the night.

Manolo González welcomed Omar El Hilali and Pol Lozano back for the match, and approached the contest with the idea of attacking the league leaders.

Los Pericos got off to an excellent start with a great offensive move, finished off with an Urko Gonzalez shot that went slightly wide. It was the first warning from RCD Espanyol, who were able to do damage to the Barça defence.

A similar opportunity went to Javi Puado, who met a free kick from Edu Expósito but put his volley outside the post. The forward's next chance saw him played through on goalkeeper Szcesny, having his strike saved.

Espanyol had clear ideas and were aware of what the match required at every moment, and mixed motivation with concentration.

The first half ended as it had begun, with a dangerous counterattack from Puado, who failed to play the right pass to feed a teammate.

FC Barcelona came out with a little more bite after the break, and found their breakthrough via Lamine Lamal, who had been closely monitored in the first half. He began to appear more prominently and, cutting inside, managed to put his team ahead with a strike into the top corner.

Any chance of a comeback ended with Leandro Cabrera being shown a red card, as the referee was advised to check a tussle with Lamine Yamal by VAR.

With Espanyol still focusing on attacking, the visitors' second goal came in stoppage time from Fermin López, earning FC Barcelona a 0-2 win and the LaLiga title.

RCD Espanyol have two more games remaining of the campaign, and potentially need 2 points to stay up if their rivals win all of their fixtures.