The season was clearly pointing to Europe before the endless suffering with a record negative streak. But in the end, Espanyol can breathe a sigh of relief. The blanquiazul team secured their stay after winning in Pamplona. The goals from Carlos Romero and Kike García ensured that Manolo González’s team remains in the First Division without having to wait for a nerve-wracking final matchday. The future will be seen, with Monchi accompanying the team at El Sadar as the new sporting director. But the present indicates that the blanquiazul parish will be able to watch Espanyol-Real Sociedad on Saturday with calm.
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Manolo González’s instruction was clear. He verbalized it on Saturday on the eve and repeated it this Sunday before starting the match at El Sadar. “Above all, do not make mistakes.” So, go carefully, don’t complicate life. In one phrase, don’t get involved in things that are outside. With that sense of responsibility, his players went out to play in Pamplona. Ten of the eleven were the same who started the match against Athletic, the one in which Espanyol broke the dreadful streak of 18 matches without a win. The novelty was the entry of Dolan for Rubén Sánchez. More noise on the right wing, as would be shown in the second blanquiazul goal.
But the important thing was to start without scares. On paper, a draw could interest both teams but given the equality at the bottom, both Osasuna and Espanyol preferred not to speculate from the start. Each with their weapons tried to overwhelm the rival.
The Navarrese, who came from three consecutive defeats, put much of their arsenal into play, with the recovery of a Víctor Muñoz who had to face a solid Omar el Hilali. Pere Milla tried, with a shot off target. Budimir responded with another shot that went wide. Between one and the other action Pol Lozano saw a yellow card that will prevent him from playing in the last matchday.
Manolo González’s team, very focused, took the lead and did not collapse when Víctor Muñoz equalized
But Lozano did not hesitate twice. Better the punishment than letting the rival pass and find yourself behind on the scoreboard. A scoreboard that Espanyol opened. Milla took a free kick that hit the wall. The rebound was caught by Carlos Romero, who swung his leg from the edge of the area. His shot hit the turf and accelerated like a shell that slipped near Herrera’s left post.
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Espanyol celebrated it in style. The goal from the fullback, one of the best players of the team this season, put salvation at their fingertips, especially considering that at that moment the results from other fields also favored the blanquiazules.
But there was still a lot left. Among other reasons because Osasuna reacted furiously and in the old-fashioned way. With two long throw-ins that led to clear opportunities. In the first Dmitrovic was providential against a shot from Rubén García. In the second it was Romero who saved under the posts a shot from Lucas Torró. Espanyol closed up and Osasuna kept knocking on the door of the equalizer. Dmitrovic avoided it again by repelling a shot from Víctor Muñoz.
What the blanquiazul goalkeeper could no longer avoid was that the red-haired winger himself beat him with exquisite control and a devilish shot from the edge of the area. Could the goalkeeper have done more? He was covered and when he dived it was already too late. Be that as it may, Osasuna had equalized at the start of the second half. A brawl could come but without time for the draw to settle, Kike García’s goal arrived. Espanyol’s tank striker turned to finish a perfect service from Dolan.
The blanquiazul team still has chances to go to the Conference: they must beat Real Sociedad and wait for what Getafe, Rayo, and Valencia do
Espanyol ahead again. Once again Manolo González’s men, who was jumping for joy on the sideline, had the goal very close. They had margin and the blanquiazul coach tried to protect the team with a fifth defender, bringing on Edu Expósito for Calero. Despite this, the best blanquiazul defender was their goalkeeper, who made a spectacular save against a header from Budimir. Osasuna tried until the end but Espanyol kept bailing water out of the boat. They stay afloat. The suffering is over and now they can even go to the Conference although it is very difficult. They must beat Real Sociedad, Osasuna has to beat Getafe away by two goals or more, Alavés must defeat Rayo, and Valencia must lose against Barça.
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