The Malaguistas and Pericos locked horns this Sunday 2nd May at an empty RCDE Stadium as required by the current health protocol.
Pellicer’s lads stepped on to the pitch with the ambition of dominating possession and approaching the rival area. The Blue and Whites (dressed in yellow on this occasion) frightened the locals with numerous high-voltage approaches. Caye narrowly missed out on a mistake by the local keeper on up to two chances in less than 15 minutes.
The Malaguistas controlled possession, but it was Espanyol who asserted their stratospheric punch in 15’. Raúl de Tomás put his team in the lead with a powerful shot from in front of the target (1-0).
The goal in no way diminished the visitors’ spirit, who never gave up in their efforts to get on the scoreboard. MCF went all out on the attack and surprised the rival defence on several occasions, but without success in front of goal. However, the Pericos increased their lead in minute 40 in their second shot at the target. Javi Puado headed in a corner kick to take the locals 2-0 in front.
The second blow also didn’t bring the Malaguistas to their knees, and they maintained their determination to get to the rival area until the referee signalled half-time.
In the second half, the locals tried to increase their presence in the Malaguista area, but the Blue and White defence repelled the attempts with solvency. As time went by, the match returned to the initial dynamic in which Pellicer's men proposed a more direct, daring style of football. Escassi came close to a goal in 68’, as he received the ball in the area and shot without thinking. However, a defender's leg got between him and the 2-1.
The sensations of play didn’t correspond with the scoreboard. Everything suggested the score should have been much closer, but RCDE went and increased their lead. RDT made it 3-0 in 76’, pouring cold water on the Malaguistas.
A harsh punishment for Pellicer’s men, who deserved to score with their gameplay, but couldn’t overcome the LaLiga SmartBank leader’s scoring ability.
