Espanyol punish Granada

RCD Espanyol beat Granada CF 2-1 to bring matchday 34 in the Liga BBVA to an end. With just four games remaining in the season, the Andalusians remain in the penultimate spot in the table, on 25 points, while the ‘pericos’ are 10th, on 45 points.

The Catalans were ruthlessly efficient and went into half-time a goal ahead. Abel Resino’s side wasted too many chances and Espanyol broke the deadlock with their only chance of the half. As ever the goal came from their talismanic captain Sergio García, who powered into the far corner on the stroke of half-time.

Granada upped the stakes in the second half and pushed for an equaliser, attacking with more frequency and intent, while Espanyol sat back to try and protect their lead. The hosts’ pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Diego mainz headed Lass Bangoura’s cross past Kiko Casilla to level the match. However, Granada then looked for a winner and instead ended up conceding again, Paco Montañes scoring the decisive goal with six minutes remaining to silence the Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes, leaving Granada second bottom, on 25 points.