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Match Report: RCD Espanyol lose late on to Atletico Madrid

Los Pericos are beaten 0-1 at home

RCD Espanyol were unable to claim points in their home game against Atletico Madrid, as a late goal from Alex Baena took the scoreline to 0-1 just before the final whistle.

Just past the first minute, Atletico Madrid's Kang-In fired a shot wide, in what was the opening chance. Jonathan David tried his luck shortly after, and Lookman also had a half-chance.

Espanyol were not put under real duress, though they struggled to get near the opposition goal. Gradually, however, Los Pericos began to establish a greater presence in the opposition half.

The duel between ‘Cuti’ Romero and Roberto Fernández was hard-fought, intense, and physical, adding to the spectacle. Just past the half-hour mark, the  forward managed to connect with a corner kick that went just round the post.

In an exchange of blows, Manolo González’s men began to find openings closer and closer to the away team's goal. The clearest opportunity of the first half fell to Leandro Cabrera, whose shot from outside the box rattled the crossbar.

After the break, Atletico Madrid brought on fresh players to revitalize the team, yet Espanyol remained comfortable and well-organised on the pitch.

With space opening up ahead of him, Bryan Zaragoza created promising situations that offered his teammates a chance to take the lead.

Throughout proceedings, ‘Cuti’ continued his personal duel with Roberto, until the referee decided to show the Atletico Madrid defender a yellow card and he was immediately replaced with Mendoza.

Ángel Fortuño’s interventions kept things level, but before the end he was unable to keep out Baena's effort from the edge of the penalty area, which condemned RCD Espanyol to defeat.