Alvaro scores the only goal of the game on his debut
The good spell continues
Espanyol wins thanks to a goal by Alvaro
Third match in the season and third victory. Espanyol, in spite of misfortune, could defeat Osasuna thanks to a goal scored by Alvaro Vázquez, who could not have dreamt a better premiere. The Pochettino team could overcome their many injured players and, although with more suffering than expected, added a new victory in the Stadium of the RCDE each time more and more unyielding ground.
Osasuna, whose away record is really poor since last January 31st, played rather freely and took the initiative in the game from the start.
Espanyol, who faced this match with many injured players off the pitch, was surprised by the rojillo team and needed some time to settle down. The perico defenders, with Chica leading them, managed to resist the initial pressure rather calmly.
The supporters were very annoyed with the referee of previous Tuesday in Madrid, and even more after Ramírez Domínguez ignored clear hands by Pandiani who performed a “zamorana” which was not sanctioned whereas last Tuesday it meant a penalty. Once the supporters were calmed and Verdú missed a good chance to score, the match became more attarctive when the white and blue team took advantage of the decreasing energy of Osasuna.
Pochettino was once more daring by picking Alvaro as centre forward amongst other alternatives he had on hand. He thought it was the best player to replace injured Sergio García, while Osvaldo, who reduced in half his expected recovery time, awaited in the bench.
The player from the lower Espanyol categories took perfect advantage of the oportunity given to him by his manager. In less than five minutes, he provoked that lolo was sent off after two stupid actions. And shortly afterwards proved his talent with a superb goal, after quickly dribbling Puñal, he shot with his left foot. Alvaro had his dreamt debut at home. The goal encouraged Espanyol.
Thrill and ambition of this team grow by the minute. The white and blue team is a happy team especially when they are ahead in the score. Camacho tried to mend his team, but Pochettino’s men were in control. Chica, from the right wing, twice passed the ball and twice Alvaro amd Callejón could not score.
Osasuna started well again and Damia gave a couple of frights which he could not finish. Pochettino tried to be in control and picked Molina, who gave a fantastic impression in Madrid. Espanyol carried on looking for the goal but also taking care in defence. Alvaro and Verdú enjoyed a couple of chances which they could not take advantage of.
Espanyol was in control and Osasuna used Pandiani as the last resource, not a very creative solution, but dangerous due to the talent of the Uruguayan player.
However both Amat and Víctor Ruiz played very well and “The Rifle” had to be substituted. The bad news was that Amat got injured being substituted by another debutant, David López. The team worked hard to keep the three points and the match would have been more placid should the players have scored the various chances they enjoyed during the game. The white and blue team got their ninth point in three games in ther Stadium.
Game stats:
RCD Espanyol: Kameni, Chica, J.Márquez, Dídac, Víctor Ruiz, Callejón, Luis García, J.Verdú, Duscher (Molina, min.57), Amat (D.López, min.89) and Álvaro (Osvaldo, min.75).
CA Osasuna: Ricardo, Monreal, M.Flaño, Lolo, Aranda (Josetxo, min.31), Puñal, W.Pandiani (Lekic, min.85), Juanfran (Rúper, min.31), N.Camuñas, Soriano M. and Damiá.
Referee: Rafael Ramírez Domínguez. Yellow card: Damiá (min.13), Lolo (min.19 and min.20), Puñal (min.70), Duscher (min.45), Víctor Ruiz (m.52) and J.Verdú (min.82).
Goal: 1-0, Álvaro (min.24).
Attendance: 26.820 spectators.
