Sunday's penultimate Copa del Rey last-32 clash pitted Segunda Division side Real Jaen against La Liga outfit Espanyol.
The home side had the best of the opportunities in the first period, but Espanyol took the lead in first-half stoppage time through David Lopez.
Jaen were level after 65 minutes, however, when Sidnei headed into his own net, before Jozabed Sanchez sent the second-tier side 2-1 ahead five minutes later.
Espanyol were not finished, however, as Christian Stuani's late header secured a share of the spoils for the away team.
Read how the first leg unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate Copa del Rey live commentary of the evening comes from the Nuevo Estadio La Victoria as Real Jaen welcome Espanyol in the first leg of their fourth-round clash. As mentioned, the home side currently ply their trade in the Segunda Division, with 21 points from their 17 matches leaving them in 14th position in the table.
Espanyol, meanwhile, currently sit 10th in La Liga after 15 matches. They have won the Copa del Rey four times, but were eliminated last season by Sevilla. Javier Aguirre’s side have also struggled for form in recent weeks with just one win in their last six in the league. This particular competition will provide a welcome distraction from their league troubles.
Real Jaen have previous at the highest level in Spain having played in La Liga for three seasons. However, they have not figured at that level since the 1957-58 campaign, when they finished 16th in the table. They spent 11 seasons in the Segunda B from 2002, but secured promotion last season after topping the division.
TEAMS:
REAL JAEN: Roman; Nino, Gaitan, Nando, Servando; Israel, Machado, Juanma, Sanchez; Curto, Mejia
ESPANYOL: German; Mattioni, Sidnei, Colotto, Capdevila; Thievy, Victor, David Lopez, Lanza; Stuani, Pizzi
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Real Jaen XI this evening with Victor Curto, Jozabed Sanchez and Fran Machado all selected. Espanyol, meanwhile, have Pizzi and Stuani in attack. There are also spots for Spaniard David Lopez and Frenchman Thievy Bifouma. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Spain. Let's hope for goals.
Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening, although it is not a full house. End-to-end football in the opening couple of minutes as Curto attempts to force a pass towards Juanma for the home side, before Pizzi has an effort blocked down the other end. A corner arrives for Espanyol moments later, but Nino heads clear under pressure from the powerful Stuani.
Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as both sides continue to move the ball quickly in midfield. However, neither has been able to create an opening inside four minutes. You just get the feeling that Real Jaen need to stay in the match for the opening 20 minutes or so against the La Liga outfit.
Half-chance for Espanyol as Pizzi finds some space outside the box before attempting to curl one towards the bottom corner, but Roman is across to make the block. Incredible intensity at the moment as both sides continue to commit players in the final third. The early signs, as a neutral, are certainly positive.
Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come later in the month, but a positive result for the home side would hand them confidence when they make the trip to Barcelona. Mejica comes close to collecting a through pass from Israel moments later, but Colotto is across to clear.
CROSSBAR! The home side come close to taking the lead as Curto collects possession outside the box before striking one towards the top corner, but it takes a deflection before smashing off the top of the crossbar. The first real chance falls to Jaen, who have been impressive in the opening 11 minutes.
Curto again tries his luck as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Not too much from Espanyol in the last couple of moments, but Bifouma looks to be their main threat in the final third. Meanwhile, the home supporters continue to make their voices known.
The home side continue to impress as Jozabed works the ball from left to right before delivering a dangerous cross into the Espanyol box, but German is on hand to claim at the vital moment. The pressure from Jaen continues as Curto hits one from distance, but once more his effort is wide of the post. The striker has been the most influential player on the pitch thus far.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with Espanyol just attempting to slow it down with a period of possession. However, they are struggling to force the issue in the final third. Nino strikes one from distance for the home side moments later, but German is on hand to collect.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments with the challenges flying in from both sides. Espanyol continue to enjoy possession in the middle of the park, but the better chances have come to the home team. Still goalless with 20 minutes on the clock.
Espanyol's 22 minutes in front of goal are summed up as Lanza strikes a wild effort high and wide of the crossbar. Bifouma has a half-chance moments later as the Frenchman meets a cross from Mattioni, but Roman is on hand to collect. No real opportunities for either side in the last few moments of this Copa del Rey clash.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments as the challenges continue to occur in the middle of the park. The first yellow card follows as Stuani catches Nando in a high challenge. Stop-start period of the match with 25 minutes on the clock, which has harmed the intensity.
Good possession for the home side in the last few minutes as they pass and probe outside the Espanyol box. Curto attempts to force the issue with a disguised ball towards Juanma, but Mattioni is across to clear. Bifouma has an effort down the other end moments later, but his strike is straight into the arms of Roman.
Machado tries his luck for Real Jaen as he finds some space outside the box before attempting to find the top corner, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar. The pressure continues to rise, but the majority of the efforts from both teams have been from distance.
Jozabed has another effort for the home side outside the box, but German is on hand to make the save. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Stuani meets a cross from Pizzi down the other end, but his header is off target. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining. Still goalless.
Just a reminder that following this match we have action from an all-La Liga affair as Malaga welcome Osasuna. Be sure to remain with us for that one. Little more than 10 minutes remaining in the first period of this clash and still we await the first goal. The home side continue to deliver long balls into the Espanyol box, but Colotto and Sidnei have been strong in the back four.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as Mejia meets a cross from Israel, but Capdevila makes a block at the vital moment. The replays have shown that the Espanyol defender blocked it with his hand, although there were no appeals from the home side. I have certainly seen them given.
Both sides are struggling to put together any sort of extended possession at the moment as the referee is forced to stop play due to a number of fouls. Capdevila can count himself lucky, meanwhile, as he gets away with another handball, this time outside the box. Bifouma is down the other end for Espanyol moments later, but the Frenchman loses his footing at the vital moment.
Good spell for Espanyol in the latter stages of the first period as they pass and probe outside the home side's box, but another attack comes to an end when Pizzi fails to find the run of Stuani. Bifouma has a strike on goal moments later after some suspect defending, but Nino is across to make a fine challenge.
Jaen just cannot keep the ball at the moment as Espanyol continue to pin the home side to the edge of their own box, but the La Liga team are struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. There is no question that Manolo Herrero will be the happier of the two managers at this stage of proceedings.
Another half-chance for the home side as Israel strikes one from just outside the box, but his effort just moved wide of the post. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half. It has been entertaining despite the lack of goals or indeed clear chances.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bifouma as the Espanyol forward bursts beyond the home side's defence, but Servando is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. He takes a knock for his troubles, which leads to a period of treatment for the Spaniard.
GOAL! Real Jaen 0-1 Espanyol (Lopez)
Espanyol take the lead in stoppage time at the end of the first period as David Lopez strikes home from close range following a corner. That is a big blow to the home side.
HALF TIME: Real Jaen 0-1 Espanyol
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Espanyol leading 1-0 courtesy of that strike from Lopez in the latter stages of the half. It is cruel on the home side, however, who have arguably been the better team thus far. The La Liga side have their away goal in this Copa del Rey clash.
The goal would have hurt Jaen more than normal due to the fact that Servando was off the pitch when the corner was taken. The Spanish defender had been receiving treatment following a clash with Bifouma and was therefore forced to leave the field. His absence played a role as Lopez found space in the area before finding the back of the net. Advantage Espanyol.
BENCH WATCH: Both sides have a number of attacking options in reserve this evening. Mendez, Petkoff and Cascon are all available for the home team. Meanwhile, they might be forced to replace the injured Servando. Espanyol also have options in the shape of Torje, Alvarez and Rodriguez. It would not be a surprise to see changes at the interval.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come in Barcelona later in the month. Following this match, we have live text coverage of Malaga against Osasuna. Right, the away side get the second 45 minutes underway. Can the Segunda Division side respond?
The home side have indeed been forced into a change at the interval with Dani Torres replacing the injured Servando, which is not much of a surprise. Espanyol make a bright start to the half as Pizzi collects a through pass from Stuani, but the Portuguese just loses control at the vital moment and the danger is cleared.
Espanyol continue to dominate possession in the early stages of the half with the likes of Lopez and Lanzarote seeing plenty of the ball. A half-chance arrives for Pizzi moments later as the striker drives to the edge of the Jaen box, but he loses his footing at the vital moment. The home side have struggled to get going in the second period thus far.
Capdevila handles the fourth time in the match, but still no card for the Espanyol skipper, which is quite incredible. Jaen threaten moments later as Juanma combines with Mejia before curling one towards goal, but Sidnei blocks at the far post. Still 1-0 Espanyol with 52 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Bifouma is on the receiving end of a late one from Nando, but no action is taken. Just a few signs that Jaen are starting to find their passing rhythm once more.
Stuani threatens for the away side as he collects a through pass from Pizzi, but the striker had moved into an offside position. Machado is down the other end moments later, but Colotto is across with a fine challenge. Not too much in terms of chances in the second period, but I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals.
Another half-chance for the home side as Juanma finds some space outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. We are reaching the period of the match where both managers will be thinking about changes. Just a reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come later in the month.
Jaen cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Espanyol continue to thread low passes beyond their defence. However, it has not quite happened for Bifouma this evening. It would not be a surprise if he was withdrawn when/if changes are made. Little under 30 minutes of this Copa del Rey fourth-round tie remaining.
Good spell for the home side as they continue to deliver high balls into the Espanyol box, but it is easy pickings for German in the away side's goal. Jaen make their second change of the evening moments later as Mejia is replaced by Edgar. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining, with Espanyol still leading.
Espanyol make their first change as Torje replaces Pizzi, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. It could have been the Portuguese or Bifouma, who have both been poor. The home side have a corner moments later, but Colotto is on hand to clear following a whipped delivery from Nando.
GOAL! Real Jaen 1-1 Espanyol (Sidnei OG)
The home side level after 65 minutes as Sidnei heads into his own net following a cross from Juanma. It is harsh on the Brazilian defender, but it has changed the entire atmosphere inside the stadium.
Espanyol cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the home side deliver cross after cross into the box. German does not look too comfortable as he continues to flap at high balls. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals with still more than 20 minutes of football to be played.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Bifouma to regain the lead for Espanyol as he is found by Lopez just inside the box, but the Frenchman can only clip his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Neither side is too interested in defending at the moment.
GOAL! Real Jaen 2-1 Espanyol (Jozabed)
The home side complete the turnaround after 70 minutes as Jozabed turns home from inside the box after Machado's effort had hit the crossbar. Espanyol have been shocked in the last five minutes or so.
Jaen are not finished here as they look for a third, which would hand them confidence entering the second leg. As it stands, Espanyol would still be firm favourites to advance into the next stage of the competition. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals this evening, however, as both continue to commit players in the final third.
Safe to say that Javier Aguirre is not best pleased at the moment as the Espanyol boss parades the touchline. His side have been undone in the second period. Espanyol enjoy a period of possession moments later before Sidnei finds Bifouma inside the box, but Roman is out to collect at the vital moment.
Sensational atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment as the home supporters continue to raise the tempo. Another half-chance occurs for Jaen as Israel delivers a fine cross into the box, but Capdevila clears. Espanyol make another change moments later as Raul Rodriguez replaces Mattioni. Is there to be late drama here?
Espanyol make their third and final change as Abraham replaces Lanza, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. The away side simply cannot get the ball at the moment as Jaen continue to deliver high balls into the box. A third goal would give them something to hold onto when the second leg occurs. Little over 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
The home side make their third and final change as Curto is replaced by Santi Villa. Both managers have played all their cards in the latter stages of this Copa del Rey clash. One goal for either would swing this contest there is no question about that. You can just sense the tension inside the stadium.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third. Espanyol are in control of the possession, but have struggled for any real invention in the second period. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining.
Stop-start period of the match as the referee continues to intervene following a host of late challenges. There has been an underlying ill-feeling in this match. Sidnei clashes with Edgar moments later, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. Chances have been at a premium in the last five minutes or so.
GOAL! Real Jaen 2-2 Espanyol (Stuani)
Espanyol level in the latter stages as Stuani thumps a powerful header into the back of the net following a Torje corner. That is harsh on Jaen, who would have been good value for the victory.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. On the balance of play, Espanyol will argue that they deserve to take something from this match, but it is so cruel on Jaen, who now have a mountain to climb in the second leg.
FULL TIME: Real Jaen 2-2 Espanyol
So there we have it. Espanyol come from behind to secure a share of the spoils in the first leg of this fourth-round Copa del Rey tie. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Malaga against Osasuna. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
