Late Espanyol Double Sinks Sevilla in Dramatic RCDE Stadium Clash
Puntos Clave
- Roberto Fernández's thunderbolt seals the points — The midfielder's 84th-minute strike from outside the box proved to be the winner, showcasing exceptional technique on a right-footed effort that flew into the top right corner and gave Espanyol crucial breathing room.
- Pere Milla's header set the tone after the break — Milla's 48th-minute header from Tyrhys Dolan's cross rewarded Espanyol for a positive start to the second half, and the hosts never trailed after that opening goal.
- Sevilla's response came too late — Despite Marcão's 86th-minute header and heavy late pressure that produced stoppage-time bookings for Espanyol, Sevilla's triple substitution in the 71st minute couldn't spark an equalizer. The visitors left RCDE Stadium empty-handed after a strong but ultimately insufficient finish.
Barcelona, Spain — Espanyol produced a thrilling late show to overcome Sevilla 2-1 at RCDE Stadium on Monday, with Roberto Fernández's spectacular strike highlighting an entertaining La Liga clash.
The hosts broke the deadlock just after halftime when Pere Milla rose magnificently in the 48th minute to power a header into the top left corner. The goal came from an excellent cross delivered by Tyrhys Dolan, who found space on the wing before picking out Milla perfectly in the center of the box. The RCDE Stadium erupted as the forward's header nestled into the net, rewarding Espanyol for their positive start to the second period.
The match intensified as both teams battled for control, with yellow cards accumulating as the tension mounted. Edu Expósito was cautioned just two minutes after Milla's opener, while Pere Milla himself received a booking in the 71st minute as Espanyol fought to protect their advantage. Sevilla responded with a triple substitution at that same moment, introducing Nemanja Gudelj, Alexis Sánchez, and Lucien Agoumé in search of an equalizer.
The home supporters were sent into raptures in the 84th minute when Roberto Fernández produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a right-footed thunderbolt from outside the box that flew into the top right corner. Urko González de Zárate provided the assist for what proved to be the decisive goal, showcasing why Espanyol's attacking talent has been earning praise this season. Fernández's celebration earned him a yellow card, but the midfielder's strike demonstrated exceptional technique and composure.
Sevilla refused to surrender and pulled one back just two minutes later when Marcão converted with a well-placed header. The Brazilian defender found space in the six-yard box to connect with Gabriel Suazo's precise cross following a corner, directing his effort into the bottom left corner. The goal set up a tense finale with Sevilla pushing for an unlikely equalizer.
The closing stages featured mounting pressure from the visitors, reflected in late bookings for Andrés Castrín and Pol Lozano in stoppage time. However, Espanyol's defense stood firm to secure all three points in what was an entertaining Monday night spectacle. The victory continues Espanyol's impressive home form, while Sevilla will rue their inability to capitalize on a strong finish to the match.