The encounter held on Friday concluded with a 2-1 victory for the visiting team, Alavés. The match started off with Roberto Fernández putting Espanyol ahead in the 14th minute with a powerful header after Carlos Romero delivered a perfect cross into the box.
However, Alavés responded strongly, with Antonio Blanco equalizing in the 26th minute following a well-executed play. Later, Lucas Boyé delivered the decisive blow in the second half, scoring in the 70th minute and sealing the comeback victory for Alavés.
In a near miss, Ander Guevara had a chance to extend Alavés’ lead in the 63rd minute, but his shot hit the post, keeping the game tense until the final whistle.
Antonio Blanco was undoubtedly the star of the match, contributing not only a goal but also completing 35 successful passes throughout the game. Lucas Boyé was another standout, marking his presence with a goal, three shots on target, and ten successful passes.
José González Álvarez, manager of Espanyol, set up his team in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Marko Dmitrovic as goalkeeper; a defensive line of Clemens Riedel, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, and Carlos Romero; with Urko Gonzalez, Edu Expósito, Jofre Carreras, and Ramón Terrats in midfield; and Roberto Fernández alongside Kike García up front.
On the other hand, Alavés’ Eduardo Coudet opted for a similar 4-4-2 formation, with Antonio Sivera in goal; Jonny Otto, Carlos Benavídez, Jon Pacheco, and Victor Parada in defense; Calebe Goncalves, Antonio Blanco, Pablo Ibáñez, and Carles Aleñá in midfield; and Toni Martínez and Lucas Boyé leading the attack.
The match was officiated by Miguel Sesma Espinosa at the Cornellá-El Prat stadium.
Next, Espanyol will travel to face Villarreal, while Alavés will host Getafe. With this result, Espanyol stands with 34 points in fifth place, while Alavés rises to 25 points, sitting in tenth.
Substitutions for Espanyol
56’ 2H – Ramón Terrats out for Tyrhys Dolan, Jofre Carreras out for Pere Milla
78’ 2H – Clemens Riedel out for Rubén Sánchez
83’ 2H – Urko Gonzalez out for Charles Pickel, Fernando Calero out for Miguel Rubio
Substitutions for Alavés
45’ 2H – Carlos Benavídez out for Facundo Garcés
60’ 2H – Calebe Goncalves out for Ander Guevara, Victor Parada out for Youssef Enriquez
73’ 2H – Toni Martínez out for Jon Guridi
Yellow Card for Alavés:
39’ 1H – Victor Parada (Unsporting conduct)