Sunday's penultimate La Liga clash pitted Espanyol against Valencia in Barcelona.
Both sides had chances in the first 45 minutes, but neither could break the deadlock.
Valencia opened the scoring just past the hour mark when Pablo Piatti converted from close range, however, before an own goal from Pau Lopez secured made it 2-0.
Sergio Garcia had one back for the hosts in the 89th minute, but it was too little too late.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Barcelona as Espanyol welcome Valencia. Both sides will enter this match off the back of disappointing defeats last time out, but both are enjoying good seasons. Right, before we get down to the facts and figures ahead of the match, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from El-Prat.
TEAMS
ESPANYOL: Pau; Arbilla, Alvaro, Moreno, Duarte; Canas, Sanchez, Lucas, Alvarez; Garcia, Caicedo
VALENCIA: Alves; Barragan, Mustafi, Orban, Gaya; Fuego, Piatti, Perez, Parejo; Rodrigo, Alcacer
So there we have it. Felipe Caicedo returns to the Espanyol XI this evening, with the Portuguese joined in attack by the skipper Sergio Garcia. Victor Alvarez and Lucas Vasquez are also in the team.
Valencia boss Nuno, meanwhile, has left Alvaro Negredo out of his attack, with Rodrigo Moreno and Paco Alcacer starting as the two forwards. Pablo Piatti also returns to the XI following a spell on the sidelines. Nicolas Otamendi is unavailable for the visitors, leaving Lucas Orban to come in at centre-back.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last five matches, with the further fixture ending in a draw. Earlier this season, Valencia won 3-1 at the Mestalla, but they lost 3-1 at Espanyol in the corresponding match last season. The pair also met in the Copa del Rey last month and it was Espanyol that booked their spot in the latter stages with an aggregate score of 3-2.
As it stands, Espanyol sit ninth in La Liga on 26 points. They have won seven of their 21 league games this term, drawing five and losing nine. On the road, they have won just once, but their home form this season has been pretty strong – winning six of their 11 matches and losing just twice n in the process. Indeed, Espanyol have scored in all but one of their home league games this season.
Espanyol enter this match off the back of successive defeats to Sevilla, but they did overcome Unai Emery's side in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey to book a semi-final place against Athletic Bilbao. They have a real chance to make the final of that particular competition, but they will be keen to return to winning ways in the league after losing narrowly at Sevilla last weekend.
Valencia, meanwhile, are also in desperate need of the points. They beat top-four rivals Sevilla 3-1 towards the end of last month, but lost 1-0 at Malaga on Monday to drop into fifth position. As it stands, they remain fifth on 41 points. They have won 12 of their 21 league games this season, drawing five and losing just four times. It has been a strong season despite a couple of blips in recent months.
Valencia's away form, however, must improve. They have won nine of their 11 league games at the Mestalla – losing just once in the process and beating the likes of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. On the road, it has been a different story – picking up just three wins from their 10 matches. They have found the back of the net in eight of their 10 away games, however, which shows that scoring is not the problem.
PREDICTION! Espanyol have been in good form in recent months, while Valencia, as discussed, have struggled on the road this term. I really fancy a score draw here. I am going for 1-1.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. It must be said that there is a strong atmosphere inside the stadium as the away side get the first 45 minutes underway.
Early possession for the away side, with the likes of Mustafi and Orban enjoying the ball. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be just crucial in this type of match.
Not too much to report in the opening four minutes, but Espanyol have started to dominate the ball following early pressure from the away side. The referee has been called into action, meanwhile, following a couple of late challenges. I suspect that this will be a feisty one in terms of tackles!
Valencia are pinned to the edge of their own box at the moment as Espanyol threaten with two corners in quick succession, but Barragan is on hand to clear. Garcia delivers a dangerous cross moments later, but once again Los Che manage to clear their lines. All the pressure is coming from the hosts.
One-way traffic at the moment as Espanyol continue to force the issue, but Valencia have been strong at the heart of their defence. No chances to speak of, however, in the opening eight minutes here.
Valencia have managed to ease the pressure in the last couple of minutes, but they have been unable to get the likes of Alcacer and Rodrigo into the match. The home supporters remain in good voice, but there has not been too much to shout about from either team. We are in need of a spark!
Espanyol attack down the right as Lucas finds some space before delivering, but Alves is on hand to collect. Valencia are down the other end moments later, but Alcacer's effort is straight at Pau.
Just a reminder that Sevilla lost at Getafe earlier this afternoon and as a result, a draw would move Valencia into the top four this evening. Espanyol, meanwhile, will be looking to consolidate their spot in the top half of the table. Valencia have started to grow into the match with 15 minutes played.
Valencia threaten with a couple of free kicks, but Pau Lopez comes to clear the danger as Espanyol keep their clean sheet in tact. This is quite hard work at the moment. Still no real opportunities here.
POST! Valencia come close to taking the lead as Rodrigo drives into the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but he smashes the post. Easily the best chance of the match thus far.
CHANCE! It is all Valencia at the moment as Parejo delivers a wonderful cross towards the far post, Espanyol goalkeeper Pau makes contact, however, and just manages to force it away from Rodrigo. Enzo Perez, meanwhile, appears to be struggling and the visitors could be forced into a change.
The referee has been called into action on a number of occasions in the last couple of minutes following some untidy challenges. Valencia have the chance to deliver from a wide area, but Arbilla, who gave away the free kick, is on hand to make the clearance. Still goalless with 23 minutes on the clock.
It is all getting a little untidy at the moment, with both sets of players crowding the referee each time a challenge is made. There have been no bookings thus far, but the first card is surely imminent.
SAVE! This is a stunning, stunning save from Alves. Caicedo does everything right as he turns inside the Valencia box before attempting to slide one into the bottom corner, but Alves is on hand to deny the Espanyol forward. Some save from the Brazilian, who is having an excellent season.
Still no cards in this match, which is surprising when taking into account the number of late challenges that have occurred. The referee just needs to get a grip on things as Sanchez dives in again.
Little better from Espanyol in the last couple of moments as they look to build on that chance for Caicedo, but Valencia have been strong at the back. Both sides have had chances to open the scoring.
Alcacer tries the spectacular for the away side after watching the ball drift over his head, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Still goalless with little over 10 minutes of the half to play.
BOOKING! Perez (Valencia) goes into the book for a late challenge on Canas.
Espanyol have the chance to threaten from a free kick, but it is played short and the visitors manage to clear. There is not much of an atmosphere at the moment as the score remains goalless here.
Little over five minutes of the first period remaining and Espanyol are looking the most likely to enter the interval with the lead. Valencia hit a post early on through Rodrigo, but chances have been hard to find for the visitors, with Alcacer also missing the target with a couple of attempts.
Good pressure from Valencia in the latter stages of the half, but Orban, who stayed forward from the back, can only deliver into the arms of the home side's goalkeeper. Incidentally, Pau Lopez is between the sticks for Espanyol this evening following a suspension for first-choice stopper Kiko Casilla.
Not too much occurring as we approach the conclusion of the first period in Barcelona.
We are into the single minute of added time at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Espanyol 0-0 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two sides level at 0-0. Both have had chances, with Caicedo bringing a fine save from Alves and Rodrigo hitting a post for Valencia. However, neither has been able to break the deadlock. As it stands, Los Che are moving fourth.
STATS! Valencia have shaded the possession with 58%, while they have had five attempts - one of which has been on target. Espanyol, meanwhile, have hit the target with their only attempt thus far. There has also been just one booking despite a host of feisty challenges in Barcelona.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Montanes, Stuani and Sevilla among those in reserve. Valencia, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Andre Gomes, Rodrigo de Paul, Sofiane Feghouli and Negredo.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Let's hope for some goals in the second half. It is the home side that resume the action in Barcelona.
SUB! One change for Valencia at the break, with Andre Gomes replacing Perez.
Just a reminder that a point would be enough to move Valencia into the top four, but they have to start improving on the road. They have struggled away from the Mestalla this season and that is again the case this evening. Espanyol have made the brighter start to the second 45 minutes in Barcelona.
Alcacer does not look comfortable for the away side here and it appears that Negredo will enter proceedings. Alcacer pulled up straight away and the Spaniard will not be able to continue.
SUB! The change is made as Negredo replaces Alcacer.
It's good work from Duarte as the Spaniard drives down the left before attempting to deliver, but Orban is on hand to make the block. The home supporters are in good voice with 54 minutes played.
Half-chance for the home side as Arbilla stands over a set piece just outside the box, but his effort is straight into the wall, before Valencia clear their lines. Poor from the defender there.
BOOKING! Alvarez (Espanyol) is booked for a late challenge on Barragan.
The overall quality in this match has been disappointing, as another free kick from Valencia is easily dealt with by the Espanyol back-line. You just get the feeling that one goal might be enough to decide this match and it is Espanyol that are looking the most likely in the final third of the field.
Good pressure from the home side in the last couple of minutes, but they are struggling to create clear opportunities, which has been the story of the match. Still goalless with an hour on the clock.
BOOKING! This match is a bit of a muddle at the moment, with both teams giving the ball away far too often. Sanchez (Espanyol) is the latest to go into the book for a really poor challenge on Piatti.
GOAL! Espanyol 0-1 Valencia (Piatti)
Valencia take the lead with 62 minutes on the clock as Piatti converts an excellent cross from Gaya. First blood to the visitors. Can Espanyol respond? The home supporters are still well up for this.
Not too much in the way of a response from Espanyol, but they are doing their best to force the issue. Garcia wants a free kick in a wide area after a potential handball from Gaya, but the referee is not interested, which brings whistles from the crowd. Can the hosts force an equaliser here?
Espanyol are preparing to make another change, with Stuani receiving his final instructions, which is not much of a surprise. Will Sergio keep all three strikers on the field? Surely he will at this stage.
SUB! Espanyol make their change as Stuani replaces Caicedo.
SUB! Another change for the hosts as Sevilla replaces Sanchez.
Not too much to report in terms of chances since Valencia opened the scoring, with the away side's back four continuing to repel the danger. Feghouli will soon join us for the visitors.
SUB! Indeed the Valencia change is made as Feghouli replaces Rodrigo.
Not too much happening for the home side at the moment, with the likes of Garcia and Stuani struggling to make their mark in the final third. If Valencia are to finish in the top four this season, then you fancy these are the type of games that they need to win. Fifteen minutes remaining here.
Half-chance for Valencia as Gomes turns inside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but Moreno is across to make an excellent block. The resulting set piece is delivered by Piatti, but Mustafi heads high and wide of the crossbar. Still 1-0 Valencia as we approach the latter stages.
It must be said that Espanyol have been really disappointing this evening. There has been nothing in terms of a response since Valencia took the lead and the visitors are really comfortable.
SUB! Final change for Espanyol as Montanes replaces Alvarez.
CHANCE! Oh my word this is incredible! Stuani looks certain to equalise for Espanyol after Garcia puts it on a plate for his fellow striker, but somehow Gaya makes a block. Excellent defending from Valencia, who also clear the resulting corner. Finally some home pressure!
BOOKINGS! Moreno (Espanyol) is booked for dissent. Moments later, Gomes (Valencia) picks up a card for a late challenge on Sevilla. Well, this match has just burst into life now.
It is all Espanyol at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue, but time and time again Valencia are on hand to clear the danger. The counter is also very much on for the visitors here.
BOOKING! Montanes (Espanyol) is booked for bringing Piatti to the ground.
GOAL! Espanyol 0-2 Valencia (Pau, OG)
Valencia have their second as Parejo's free kick smashes the post, before hitting Pau Lopez and dropping into the back of the net. That might go down as an own goal for the goalkeeper!
Parejo will want to claim that effort, but it will surely go down as an own goal for Pau Lopez. That should secure all the points for Valencia, who look certain to rise into fourth position in the table.
GOAL! Espanyol 1-2 Valencia (Garcia)
Game on! Espanyol have one back in the 89th minute as Garcia latches onto some loose Valencia defending before firing one into the top corner. Can they equalise now?
We are into the first of four additional minutes here.
BOOKING! Orban (Valencia) is booked for a late challenge on Garcia.
It is all kicking off at the moment. Lads, let's just play the game!
Some of us have Barcelona commentaries to start in the next few minutes! Right, Espanyol finally deliver the resulting set piece, but Barragan is on hand to make an excellent clearance.
Valencia scramble clear following another period of pressure. The visitors are almost there.
Parejo has the chance to put Valencia 3-1 ahead on the counter, but his low effort is straight at the goalkeeper and the hosts break down the other end.
FULL-TIME: Espanyol 1-2 Valencia
So there we have it. Valencia hold on to secure all three points! Right, now it is time for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao. Join me for that one here.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
