One more point, one less game. Espanyol survived the most impregnable field in the Second Division, but they could have won. The parakeet team deserved it as much as Burgos after a match of extraordinary wear and tear. González's team lacked finishing ability, as they continue to grow game by game, and in the end Joan García had to appear to turn the point achieved into a loot. [See the classification].
Burgos' numbers were scary, which in El Plantío are those of a candidate for promotion. Nobody has added more points (38), but they have also not known defeat and have only conceded eight goals so far this season. An impregnable field in which Espanyol left its mark as a candidate for promotion with a very complete collective display.
Despite being included in the squad, Braithwaite was not in the game. González granted a new opportunity to Pere Milla and gave the alternative to Nico Melamed instead of Aguado. Once again away from home he opted for his non-negotiable double pivot, but with the presence of a third midfielder who favored circulation inside. Gragera deserved special mention again, to whom González has given a role as a pivot that is fundamental for the balance of the team.
Only four points separate both teams in the standings, further proof that the parakeet rival was a miura. From the beginning, Burgos added extra aggressiveness to each play that surprised Espanyol. But as the minutes passed, González's team grew, and they managed to show personality with the ball at their feet and a clear idea of how to reach the rival goal. This team does not speculate excessively, which always has the rival goal between its eyebrows. This plan allowed him to be superior to the points and make numerous arrivals, especially on the right wing. Brian Oliván, Melamed and Sergi Gómez had close shots that they failed to score in the first half.
Burgos opted more for a direct game and after each robbery or loss Perica tried to penalize the race. Fer Niño was the target man. A forward with talent and size who complicated Cabrera's life. In one of his unmarkings he beat the center back and his shot was stopped by Joan García, busy all night.
Nerves were on edge in both teams, aware of how much was at stake. It was an area match, volcanic at times, full of aggressiveness and forceful actions. Excessive energy and will that generated many unforced errors. Fer Niño managed to score, but his goal was annulled at the request of the VAR due to an almost imperceptible handball inside the area. Minutes later, Bolo, the local coach, was expelled for his repeated protests.
After the break, Espanyol tried to tame their rival's explosiveness with long possessions, but the inaccuracies were greater and Burgos penalized this condescension with more dangerous arrivals. Curro and Fer Niño each had clear chances. In the last one, the striker hit the crossbar with a header. González tried to turn the situation around with a triple change, bringing on Braithwaite, Aguado and Salvi.
The new players allowed Espanyol to equalize the duel and their rival was tied many more times. The match became dizzying until the end. Both made explicit their need for victory. The rain added epicness to an exhausting physical and emotional effort. Brian Oliván and Braithwaite had the goal at the end. But in the last one, it was Joan García who miraculously saved the team with a spectacular double save.
The tie allows Espanyol to score for the seventh consecutive game, but leaves second place exposed, for direct promotion
Burgos CF: Caro, Arroyo, Córdoba, Elgezábal, Matos, Atienza (Montiel 87), Appin (Grego 58), Alex (Ánder Martín 87), Dani Ojeda (Edu Espiau 75), Curro and Fer Niño (Bermejo 75).
Trainer: Bolo
RCD Espanyol: Joan García, El Hilali, Sergi Gómez, Cabrera, Brian Oliván, Gragera, Keidi Bare (Lazo 78), Melamed (Aguado 65), Jofre (Salvi 65), Puado (Gastón 92) and Pere Milla (Braithwaite 65) .
Coach: Manolo González.
Stadium: El Plantío.
Referee: Cordero Vega (c. Cantabrian).
Cards: Bolo was sent off for a direct red card. He yellow carded Keidi Bare, Curro, Fer Niño, Caro, Pere Milla, Matos and Gragera.
