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Match Report: Penalty controversies continue in 3-2 loss to Valencia CF
RCD Espanyol are denied a point at Mestalla by a late spot kick
RCD Espanyol fell to defeat against Valencia CF at Mestalla, leaving frustrated after a late penalty was given against them in stoppage time. The loss continued Los Pericos' misfortune in terms of spot kick decisions.
The game had a little of everything, as expected from an encounter between two historic LaLiga clubs. RCD Espanyol started well, dominating possession and getting dangerously close to the home team's goal, but when Valencia CF managed to get behind the defence, they were rewarded with a goal through Hugo Duro, much to Marko Dmitrović's frustration.
Valencia CF, coming off a win in Getafe, wanted to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone. And after the goal, they were able to consolidate their defence, waiting for another attacking opportunity. RCD Espanyol, on the other hand, had their first chance, which Roberto Fernández missed by a matter of centimetres.
The start to the second half couldn't have been more promising. Manolo González made substitutions, and Kike García and Edu Expósito injected some life into the attack.
Ramó Terrats equalised in the 54th minute after a double effort from Kike García, moving the team level at 1-1.
Just like away at Levante, however, the joy was short-lived: Edu Expósito missed with a long-range shot, and on the very next move, Eray Comert found space to beat Dmitrović and make it 2-1.
Espanyol pushed forward again, and Kike had another header, while Leandro Cabrera also had a shot go just wide of the post.
A minute later, Urko González tried his luck from distance, and his shot deflected off a defender and into the back of the net, taking the score to 2-2.
The game was now firmly in Espanyol's favor against a Valencia CF side who were struggling. Then came the controversy: A penalty awarded for a dubious foul on Rubén Iranzo in stoppage time, that Largie Ramazani converted. It had come after a seemingly clear foul committed by the opposition defender at the start of the move, and was a cruel end to the evening for RCD Espanyol.