In a closely contested LaLiga 2024-25 match, Real Valladolid edged out Espanyol with a 1-0 victory at the Estadio José Zorrilla. The home side managed to secure the win with a first-half goal, defending their lead resolutely against an Espanyol team that struggled to find a breakthrough.
Date: Monday, August 19, 2024
Kick-Off: 18:00 CET
Venue: Estadio José Zorrilla, Valladolid, Spain
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Full-Time: Real Valladolid 1 – 0 Espanyol: Match Overview
The match kicked off under a lively atmosphere as Real Valladolid and Espanyol both sought to make their mark early in the season. Valladolid, buoyed by their recent signings, was eager to showcase their strengthened squad, while Espanyol aimed to recover from the loss of key players during the summer transfer window.
First Half:
- Half-Time Score: 1 – 0
The first half saw Real Valladolid assert their dominance early on. The home side capitalized on a well-crafted move to score the only goal of the match, putting Espanyol on the back foot. Despite Espanyol’s efforts to respond, Valladolid’s defense held firm, limiting Espanyol’s chances and maintaining their lead going into the break.
Second Half:
- Full-Time Score: 1 – 0
In the second half, Espanyol attempted to take control of the game, increasing their pressure on Valladolid’s defense. However, the home team’s disciplined and organized defense thwarted Espanyol’s advances. Valladolid managed the game effectively, disrupting Espanyol’s rhythm and holding onto their slender lead until the final whistle.
Real Valladolid vs Espanyol Match Statistics
| Statistic | Real Valladolid | Espanyol |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Assists | 1 | 0 |
| Total Shots | 12 | 10 |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 3 |
| Possession | 55% | 45% |
| Pass Accuracy | 83% | 79% |
| Fouls Committed | 15 | 8 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
Real Valladolid vs Espanyol Lineups
Real Valladolid (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Rafús
- Defenders: Rosa, Sánchez, Boyomo, Pérez
- Midfielders: Pérez, Cömert, Meseguer
- Forwards: Moro, Sylla, Ndiaye
Real Valladolid lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on a balanced approach with a solid defense and a dynamic attack. New signings, including the highly anticipated Eray Cömert, were given starting roles, while Amath Ndiaye and Juanmi Latasa provided fresh options in the attack.
Espanyol (4-5-1)
- Goalkeeper: García
- Defenders: Lazo, Calero, Cabrera, Hilali
- Midfielders: Milla, Gragera, Aguado, Lozano, Sánchez
- Forward: Puado
Espanyol opted for a 4-5-1 formation, emphasizing midfield strength to combat Valladolid’s advances. However, the absence of key players like Braithwaite, who moved to Gremio, and Edu Expósito, out due to injury, left noticeable gaps in their lineup. Javi Puado, a key performer from the previous season, was tasked with leading the attack but struggled to find the net.
Real Valladolid vs Espanyol Key Moments
- 45th Minute: Real Valladolid took the lead with a well-executed goal, capitalizing on Espanyol’s defensive lapse. The goal came after sustained pressure from Valladolid, who had been probing Espanyol’s defense throughout the half.
- 60th Minute: Espanyol tried to respond with a series of attacks, but they were repeatedly thwarted by Valladolid’s organized defense. Espanyol’s inability to convert chances into goals continued to plague them.
- 75th Minute: Tensions rose as both teams received yellow cards in quick succession, reflecting the physical and competitive nature of the match. Despite these challenges, Valladolid maintained their composure and focus.
Real Valladolid vs Espanyol Yellow & Red Cards
- Real Valladolid:
- Yellow Cards: 2
- Red Cards: 0
- Espanyol:
- Yellow Cards: 2
- Red Cards: 0
Real Valladolid vs Espanyol Tactical Analysis
Real Valladolid:
Valladolid’s strategy centered on maintaining a compact defensive structure while exploiting Espanyol’s weaknesses on the counterattack. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack proved crucial, allowing them to create scoring opportunities while keeping Espanyol at bay. The inclusion of new signings like Cömert and Ndiaye added depth and versatility to the squad, enabling Valladolid to control the game effectively.
Espanyol:
Espanyol’s 4-5-1 formation aimed to dominate the midfield, but they struggled to break down Valladolid’s disciplined defense. The absence of key players, especially in the forward positions, was evident, as Espanyol lacked the cutting edge needed to breach Valladolid’s backline. While they managed to create some chances, their finishing was poor, and they were often caught offside, disrupting their attacking flow.
Real Valladolid vs Espanyol Post-Match Thoughts
Real Valladolid’s victory marks a positive start to their LaLiga campaign, with the team showing promise under the guidance of their manager. The new signings appear to be integrating well, and the team’s overall performance suggests they are capable of competing strongly this season.
Espanyol, on the other hand, will need to address their issues in attack and midfield if they are to improve in the coming matches. The loss of Braithwaite and the injury to Expósito have left significant gaps in their squad, which will need to be filled if they are to challenge for higher positions in LaLiga.
Looking Ahead
Real Valladolid will look to build on this victory in their upcoming fixtures, aiming to solidify their position in the top half of the table. For Espanyol, the focus will be on regrouping and finding solutions to their attacking struggles as they prepare for their next match.
