MATCH REPORT: lATE EQUALISER DENIES VALENCIA CF VICTORY AGAINST RCD ESPANYOL

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Valencia CF's LaLiga Matchday 6 game against RCD Espanyol ended 2-2, as Arnaut Danjuma and Hugo Duro's goals were cancelled out by a late equaliser for the visitors at Mestalla.

The team started the match looking to take control of the game, dominating from the back and connecting with midfielders Santamaría and Pepelu, who looked for the likes of Diego López and Danjuma. The result of these combinations led to Valencia CF's first attack. Luis Rioja volleyed a cross from the left flank with his left foot, which almost connected with Hugo Duro in the box.

Pepelu found Rioja on the right flank, and the Andalusian winger delivered a perfect cross to the far post. Danjuma finished off to make it 1-0.

After the opening goal, RCD Espanyol made several attempts to respond, but without any danger, as Carlos Corberán's team remained compact and solid.

However, a few minutes later, RCD Espanyol racked up two very dangerous chances. Mouctar Diakhaby first blocked a one-on-one in the box, and in the next move, Tárrega made two smothers in succession.

RCD Espanyol continued to press and had another chance, but Julen Agirrezabala made a great save, and Dmitri Foulquier cleared for a corner. Valencia CF tried to halt the opposition's attacks, and made several counters, but could not find a second goal before halftime.

The game resumed with the same energy as the first half. Valencia CF pressed the home side's defensive line to make it difficult for RCD Espanyol to bring the ball out. However, Los Pericos continued to accumulate opportunities and equalised off a corner, as Cabrera headed the ball in at the near post.

Valencia CF made changes, and Beltrán and Ugrinic both came on. Moments later, the Swiss crossed from a corner and Hugo Duro beat his man, finishing off to establish a 2-1 lead.

The match didn't slow down its frenetic pace thereafter. Jesús Vázquez and Javi Guerra came on to refresh Valencia CF.

Shortly after, RCD Espanyol had a clear chance to level again. Kike García missed a one-on-one with Agirrezabala, as the goalkeeper forced the Espanyol forward to send his effort wide.

In the following minutes, Agirrezabala again came out on top with a stunning save from Puado's shot from inside the box.

However, the match ended with a cruel twist for our team: In the final move of the match, RCD Espanyol equalised, as Puado headed in a free kick from Edu Expósito.

After the 2-2 draw, Valencia CF return to Mestalla, where they will host Real Oviedo on Matchday 7 in a Monday night fixture.

MATCH STATS

2. RCD ESPANYOL: Dmitrovic, El Hilali (R. Sánchez, 68’), Cabrera, Riedel, C. Romero (J. Salinas, 82’), Edu Expósito, Pol Lozano (Urko, 68’), Pickel (Roberto, 57’), Dolan (A. Roca, 82’), Puado © and Kike G.

2. VALENCIA CF: Agirrezabala, Foulquier, Tárrega, Diakhaby, Gayà © (J. Vázquez, 76’), Santamaría, Pepelu (Ugrinic, 60’), Diego López (L. Beltrán, 60’), L. Rioja (Javi Guerra, 76’), Danjuma (Thierry R., 71’) and Hugo Duro.

GOALS: Danjuma, 15’ (0-1); Cabrera, 60’ (1-1); Hugo Duro, 62’ (1-2); Puado, 95’ (2-2).

REFEREE: José Luis Guzmán (C. Andaluz). Amonestó a Diakhaby, Pickel, Diego López, Santamaría and Agirrezabala.

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