Outstanding atmosphere for an outstanding clash. El Alcoraz was spectacularly ready to receive an Espanyol side, but could only celebrate one point after the Azulgranas’ relentless effort, as the Oscenses had a mountain to climb after a debatable penalty decision. El Alcoraz crowd were well behind the side and pushed hard for a leveller.
SD Huesca made a strong start to the game, especially thanks to an inspired Gerard Valentin. He operated mainly in a right-sided position and managed to frequently get on the ball and create dangerous attacks. Javi Martinez and Oscar Sielva powered different shots from distance during the first 45 but all of them went wide. However, Espanyol were unable to test Alvaro Fernandez, finishing the first half with only one clear-cut chance.
The Azulgranas’ efforts in defence ended in nothing when the referee pointed to the spot at the beginning of the second half after a debatable handball of Jeremy Blasco while he was defending Braithwaite. Puado's penalty shot was clinical, making SD Huesca come from behind. With an ignited Alcoraz, the energy got to the pitch, and the Oscenses stepped on the gas searching for a leveller. It could have perfectly happened only five minutes later, with a shot from Javi Martinez after a rebound in the edge of the area. Then, Gerard Valentin was denied by Pacheco's foot after a corner where several actions in defence were likely to have been revised by the VAR. At this point, Hidalgo decided to make some changes, introducing Bolivar, Enzo and Vilarrasa, before bringing on Hugo Vallejo. However, it was our captain Jorge Pulido who managed an individual play inside the box for Vilarrasa to catch the rebound and make it 1-1. It was the best time for the hosts, attacking well and being fiercely supported by their fans. With ten minutes to go, it was time to come back, and Vilarrasa's shot was cleared by the defence. Espanyol had their chance too, with Jofre shooting wide. After the eight minutes of stoppage time, El Alcoraz gave a standing ovation to the team, with the feeling that RCD Espanyol were escaping alive.
