Back

Match Report: Sure shot Roberto Fernández seals win from the spot

RCD Espanyol beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 at home

Returning strongly after their Copa del Rey elimination from midweek, RCD Espanyol took a 1-0 win at the RCDE Stadium against Rayo Vallecano on LaLiga Matchday 15. A Roberto Fernández penalty in the first half proved decisive, as Los Pericos took their third consecutive league win.

Coach Manolo González's strategy was for his players to assert their dominance from the outset, to press relentlessly, and to not hesitate to attack the visitors' goal at the slightest opportunity. The first six minutes were particularly productive for Espanyol, who entered the opposition penalty area with confidence, but lacked accuracy, as evidenced by Roberto's miss before the two-minute mark and Calero's header that went just over the bar.

However, Rayo gradually began to get their attacks going and confidently approached Dmitrović's goal, forcing him to make a crucial save to deflect a close-range shot from Unai López.

After this warning, Espanyol pressed forward again, and Rayo goalkeeper Batalla was called into action to thwart a pair of attacks.

Just past the half-hour mark, following a swift Espanyol counter-attack, Tyrhys Dolan broke free from Pep Chavarria after dispossessing him. In his attempt to win the ball back, the Rayo fullback brought down the forward inside the area, with a penalty awarded to RCD Espanyol.  

Roberto was entrusted with taking the spot kick, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and made it 1-0. It was a lead that Espanyol held into the interval.

The second half began in much the same way. Espanyol continued to attack, creating a chance for Leandro Cabrera that Batalla dealt with comfortably, while Rayo struggled to find their rhythm.

The second half dissolved into chaos, and Espanyol found their way into gaps and relentlessly attacked the opposition goal. Batalla was forced to make several saves, and the home side showed a desire to seal the victory as quickly as possible.

 

On one move, a possible foul on Charles Pickel resulted in a penalty appeal, but the VAR review focused on a potential handball by defender Mendy, during an initial shot attempt by Calero. The spot kick was not given.

There was more to come: Kike García scored in the 81st minute, with a composed chip over the onrushing Batalla, but the goal was disallowed for a curious offside.

Unai Lopez and Tyrhys Dolan were both sent off for second bookings before the end, but there was no change in the scoreline and RCD Espanyol took another excellent victory.