Espanyol Scrapes Past Atlètic Lleida in a Tense Copa del Rey Clash
It was a night of mixed emotions for Espanyol fans as their team narrowly escaped an early exit from the Copa del Rey, defeating Atlètic Lleida 2–1 in a game that was far from straightforward. The atmosphere was charged, and the tension was palpable — this was the kind of cup tie that tests not just skill but composure.
The match kicked off at the Camp d’Esports, and Espanyol manager Manolo González had made his message loud and clear before the game: “If the team doesn’t fly tomorrow, I’ll be very angry.” He had promised rotation, but also demanded seriousness from his players, reminding them of last year’s embarrassing first-round exit against Barbastro. There was no room for complacency this time.
Also Read:- Queensland Approves Daniel’s Law to Protect Children with New Public Offender Register
- Halloween Meets Game 6: Toronto’s Ultimate Party Collision
Things started off perfectly for the visitors. Just three minutes into the match, a controversial penalty was awarded to Espanyol after the ball appeared to hit an Atlètic Lleida defender’s chest rather than his arm. Kike García stepped up and calmly converted, giving Espanyol an early lead. But any sense of comfort vanished quickly. Only moments later, goalkeeper Ángel Fortuño made a costly mistake, mishandling a simple ball that allowed Aldo One to pounce and bring Lleida level at 1–1.
The first half continued with Espanyol struggling to find their rhythm. Their play looked disjointed, and Atlètic Lleida — despite being two divisions lower — held their own, pressing high and showing real intent. The home crowd could sense the possibility of an upset brewing as Espanyol went into halftime frustrated and unsettled.
However, the visitors regrouped. Barely a minute into the second half, Omar El Hilali delivered a precise cross to Kike García, who headed home his second of the night. It was a vital moment, restoring both the lead and some calm to the Espanyol bench. But even then, the game never felt truly safe. Atlètic Lleida continued to fight, forcing mistakes and even coming close to an equalizer late in the match when Sidibe’s long-range effort whistled just over the bar.
Espanyol held on, but just barely. They advanced to the next round, though González’s post-match expression said it all — relief mixed with frustration. His side might have won, but the performance lacked the dominance expected of a top-tier club facing a lower-division opponent.
Still, a win is a win. Espanyol’s Copa del Rey journey continues, and next up is a trip to Vitoria as they look to carry their league form forward. For González, the hope is simple: the team must learn to “fly” the way he envisions — not just win, but win convincingly. Because if tonight proved anything, it’s that in the Copa del Rey, no opponent can ever be underestimated.
Read More:
0 Comments