Back

Match Report: Fine margins lead to defeat against Deportivo Alavés

RCD Espanyol fall 1-2 at home

RCD Espanyol suffered a 1-2 defeat to Deportivo Alavés in LaLiga action, as taking the lead in the first half was not enough to earn them a share of the points. Roberto Fernández scored the goal for Los Pericos.

After two games in which refereeing decisions had played a big part in the final results, coach Manolo González wanted his team to focus on the task at hand and be clinical in both penalty areas.

They found the opening through Roberto after 15 minutes of play, as the striker headed in a Carlos Romero cross to make it 1-0.

Meanwhile, the visitors from Vitoria were still struggling to find gaps in the RCD Espanyol defence. However, the joy for Los Pericos was short-lived, as Antonion Blanco collected a rebound from Dmitrović's punch clear, and sent a hesitant but fortunate shot into the back of the net.

The match then began to dip in terms of precision, and neither side could take control. A header from Leandro Cabrera that narrowly went wide was the closest opportunity for a second goal before the break.

For the second half, the home side came out eager to regain the lead, but instead, Dmitrović had to make a crucial save in a one-on-one with Youssef. Following up on that, Guevara's shot struck the base of the post.

Kike García worked tirelessly in the centre forward role against his former club, and began getting his head on everything that came his way, but it was Alavés' Lucas Boyé who made it 1-2 after an unfortunate defensive lapse by the RCD Espanyol.

Kike did have the ball in the net before the end, but had the goal ruled out by VAR for offside. The game concluded in defeat for Manolo González' men, who next face Villarreal in LaLiga.