A majestic Espanyol makes a statement in Vallecas.

Espanyol are beginning to see some silver linings on the day that is shaping up to be a storm. The Blue and Whites earned a valuable victory in Vallecas (0-4), where they put in their best performance of the season, and arguably in years. It was a powerful blow against a Rayo Vallecano side that, despite a timid revival in the second half, was clearly outclassed.

A crucial victory, which could have been even bigger, and which provisionally moves Espanyol within five points of the relegation zone. The pre-match downpour served as inspiration for Manolo González's men, who turned the first half into a flurry of chances. They created ten, most of them quite clear.



Espanyol, in fact, were already 2-0 up in the 16th minute after Cabrera sent a corner from Expósito into the back of the net, and Roberto Fernández cleverly finished off a great transition in which two home players slipped at the wrong moment. The Blue and Whites excelled in defense, always well-organized, based on a revamped midfield with Expósito and Roca and with Urko as a true bastion. Unlike previous matches, where offensive production was rather scarce, this time Espanyol was a whirlwind and bared their teeth when Rayo, broken in midfield, committed any loss.

The instructions were clear: punish Rayo's defense with speed and verticality. And the plan worked like a charm. The halftime result, in fact, was probably the worst news of a sensational first half for Espanyol, who overwhelmed their opponents with counterattacks.

Puado and Romero, twice, and Lozano and Roberto Fernández all had clear enough chances to put the game to bed in the first half. Batalla and a lack of accuracy prevented Espanyol from going into the break with a superior lead. The visitors' storm subsided after the break, coinciding with a double substitution for Rayo.

Iñigo Pérez withdrew two of his most inaccurate players, Aridane and Nteka, and the Madrid team took a step forward. When it was time to resist, the usual Saint, Joan Garcia, appeared, reminding everyone why he is the goalkeeper who saves the most in La Liga. The Sallent native expanded his repertoire with two colossal saves, first against De Frutos and then against Álvaro García.

Puado sealed the victory from the penalty spot, and Pere Milla rounded off the night with the icing on the cake. Espanyol hadn't scored four away goals since 2016. RDT, making his debut in this league, was just another spectator of the Blue and Whites' onslaught.

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