At the RCDE Stadium, Valladolid tasted a rare setback as Joselu stepped up in the 79th minute to seal a 1-0 victory for Espanyol. The goal marked his seventh of the season and warmed the home crowd after a tense, end-to-end affair that had kept the result uncertain until the final whistle. The win was Espanyol’s first at home in a match that had promising moments for both sides and turned on a moment of decisive finishing from the Catalan forward.
The match opened with Valladolid pressing high and hunting for opportunities, but Lecomte, the Espanyol keeper, stayed alert. Early attempts from Valladolid did not threaten the goal seriously, and Lecomte held firm as the visitors sought a breakthrough. A disputed call in the 18th minute, when a ball seemed to strike a hand on the pitch, sparked debate as Mateu Lahoz chose not to award a foul against Espanyol. The moment underscored the evenness of a contest where small margins carried big weight.
As the first half progressed, Espanyol grew into the game. Joselu and Puado repeatedly probed the Valladolid defense, with Darder providing spark in midfield. Valladolid, meanwhile, appeared to lose the spark that had characterized their earlier performances, struggling to impose themselves on the local team’s court. The tension of the encounter grew as both teams weighed risks and rewards, but the decisive action remained elusive.
A striking moment arrived in the 40th minute when Valladolid launched a dangerous counter; Sergio León sprinted through on goal but his effort was deflected for a corner by Lecomte. The half ended with Espanyol pressing to convert pressure into a tangible lead, yet Valladolid held steady and left the pitch level at the break.
After the interval, Valladolid attempted to recalibrate, with Diego Martínez waiting to deploy fresh legs from the bench. Pacheta introduced changes as the game swung back and forth, but Espanyol’s discipline and goalkeeper confidence kept the scoreline intact. Both sides minimized risk in a measured duel, yet the potency of Espanyol’s forward line began to tell as the match wore on.
Then came the decisive moment. In the 79th minute, Joselu, who had already carved out a clear chance earlier in the move, connected with Brian Oliván’s cross to fire Espanyol ahead. The strike not only kept the ball in the net but also extended Joselu’s personal tally for the season, reinforcing his role as a leading attacker for the side. The stadium erupted as the hosts celebrated what would prove to be the winner on a night that demanded patience and precision from the home team.
Puado soon pressed Valladolid again, capitalizing on a defensive miscue and forcing a save from Masip that struck the post, keeping the margin slender but secure for Espanyol. The final minutes saw Espanyol sustain the pressure, with disciplined defending and timely interruptions to keep Valladolid from mounting a late equalizer.
The match was played before a crowd of 17,770 at the RCDE Stadium, a testament to the importance of the result for Espanyol as they sought to climb away from the lower reaches of the table. Joselu’s goal, celebrated by teammates and fans alike, proved to be the difference in a game that tested both teams’ resolve and tactical approach. The post-match reaction highlighted the significance of securing three points at home and the sense of momentum it can provide as the season unfolds.
For Espanyol, the victory underscored a willingness to pursue goals with patient buildup and sharp finishing. Lecomte’s reliability between the sticks continued to be a stabilizing factor, while the defense remained compact enough to deny Valladolid’s attacking forays. The result extended Valladolid’s concerns, as they left Catalunya with little more than a narrow, painful defeat to reflect on.
Data sheet:
1 – RCD Espanyol: Lecomte; Oscar Gil, Calero, Cabrera, Brian Oliván; Aleix Vidal, Darder, Edu Expósito; Puado, Joselu, Nico Melamed.
0 – Real Valladolid: Masip; Escudero, Feddal, Javi Sánchez, Olaza; Kike Pérez, Roque Mesa, Monchu; ÓscarPlano, Iván Sánchez, Sergio León.
Goal: 1-0, 79 min: Joselu.
Disciplinary: Feddal (15), Escudero (31), Monchu (52), Roque Mesa (59), Vini Souza (63) cautioned.
Events: The match, part of LaLiga Santander’s ninth round, was witnessed by 17,770 spectators at the RCDE Stadium.