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Match Report: Final day win keeps RCD Espanyol in LaLiga
An heroic second half display gets Los Pericos across the line against UD Las Palmas
RCD Espanyol clinched their survival in the final game of the LaLiga season, winning 2-0 at the RCDE Stadium against UD Las Palmas on an afternoon full of nerves. With relegation rivals CD Leganés out in front early in their eventual win over Real Valladolid, the pressure was on Los Pericos to claim the three points, and they came through in the second half courtesy of goals from Javi Puado and Pere Milla.
Throughout the week, both coach Manolo González and the players had shown great conviction in achieving their objective, and the Espanyol family approached the match with high energy and a will to do what was required.
When the game kicked off, however, RCD Espanyol started nervously, facing already-relegated opponents who were playing purely for pride and had set up in a low block. In the opening moments, goalkeeper Joan Garcia was called upon to save a couple of long-range shots from the visitors, and the home team were hasty and lacked the necessary clarity to reach the opposition box.
Only a few crosses from Omar El Hilali and Cristian Romero brought some danger, but they couldn't find anyone to take advantage of the deliveries in. Meanwhile, news came in of Leganés' early flurry of goals.
González brought on Pere Milla and then Veliz to search for something new in attack, but it was once again UD Las Palmas who had a tremendous opportunity, which Joan García thwarted with a sensational save.
Finally, the opportunity came. Veliz won a penalty that handed a lifeline to Los Pericos. Javi Puado decided to take responsibility, and the captain once again demonstrated his effectiveness from the spot to beat Horkas.
The game entered a new phase after the goal, as the team found composure and finally felt confident.
Late on, Pere Milla, following a pass from Puado, scored the second, sealing the victory and securing RCD Espanyol's place in the Primera División.