This match between Espanyol and Valencia finished with a 1-1 draw, a result that reflected a steady duel at the RCDE Stadium. Maxi Gómez opened the score in the first half for Valencia, while Raúl de Tomás equalized just before halftime when the opportunity arose in a moment of calm around the goal. In the end, both teams walked away with a point that kept the tension high in La Liga Santander’s recent run of fixtures.
Espanyol started with intent but lacked a sharp incision to break the deadlock early on. Bordalás’ side controlled portions of the play, yet could not convert the pressure into a decisive advantage. Meanwhile, Valencia, determined to claim three points on the road, looked to exploit quick transitions and moments of numerical overload—but those chances rarely materialized into real danger for the home defense.
The opening exchanges were characterized by cautious rhythm and a few brittle transitions in possession. A header from Cömert came as a warning early on for Espanyol, and Diego López followed through with careful handling to keep his goal intact. The Catalan side attempted to surprise with rapid ball movement, but the guests remained resolute in their shape and tackling lines.
As the match progressed, Valencia nudged themselves more into Espanyol’s half, yet the balance stayed even inside Cornellà-El Prat. The crowd witnessed a slog of a game, with neither team managing to impose a decisive tempo for long stretches. Then, in the 36th minute, Maxi Gómez converted a precise penalty after a cross from the right found him unmarked, breaking the goalless tie. Puado looked to respond before the interval, but just after, an offside flag canceled his effort, leaving the scoreline at 1-0 in favor of Valencia going into halftime.
At the restart, Raúl de Tomás drew level just before the break, picking up a rebound from Rubén Sánchez’s quick assist and blasting a powerful shot past Cillessen. The goal restored parity and set the scene for a tense second half as both sides pushed for a late winner. De Tomás had already been cautioned before, and his goal came in a moment that shifted momentum back toward Espanyol, who embraced the opportunity to press forward with renewed energy.
After the break, the game intensified a touch. Gayá and Ilaix Moriba pressed high as Valencia tried to reclaim momentum, while Espanyol sought to sustain pressure and expose gaps in the Valencia defense. The visitors, however, did not relinquish their discipline easily and looked to pick apart Espanyol on quick counterattacks. The home side, sensing a chance to clinch the win in front of their supporters, remained structured but never managed to create a decisive sequence that would tilt the match in their favor.
The final stretch belonged to Valencia as they tried to control the tempo and minimize the risk of conceding again. The flow of the game remained even, with both teams resisting a dramatic late twist. Valencia introduced fresh options as the minutes ticked away, while Espanyol’s lineup remained intent on converting a late opening into a winning moment. In the end, the game concluded with the scoreboard showing 1-1, a fair reflection of a hard-fought contest between two determined sides.
Data sheet:
Espanyol: Diego López; Rubén Sánchez, Sergi Gómez, David López, Cabrera; Melendo, Fran Mérida, Darder, Vilhena; Puado, Raúl de Tomás.
Valencia: Cillessen; Thierry, Foulquier, Alderete, Gayà; Soler, Ilaix Moriba, Racic; Marcos André, Maxi Gómez, Cheryshev.
Goals: 0-1, minute 36: Maxi Gómez; 1-1, minute 45+2: Raúl de Tomás.
Referee: Muniz Ruiz. Cautions: Mérida (Espanyol) warned Raúl de Tomás and others during the match. Attendance: 14,990 at RCDE Stadium.