Espanyol welcomed Celta Vigo to the Estadi Cornella-El Prat on Saturday knowing that three points would have moved them out of the relegation zone.
The home side had the lead midway through the opening half when Sergio Garcia converted from close range and despite chances for both sides, that is how it remained at the interval.
Celta were the better team in the second period, but Espanyol held on to secure a vital three points in the context of their season.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! We return to La Liga action this weekend with Espanyol having a week off due to their early elimination from the Copa del Rey. However, Celta were in action this Wednesday as they were knocked out of the competition by Real Madrid. There are more pressing matters this evening with both of these clubs in a relegation battle as things stand.
Espanyol appear to have turned a corner since appointing former Mexico boss Javier Aguirre. They might have managed just one win in their five matches under him, but they have lost just once and took a point from Real Madrid at the Bernabeu before the winter break. That is a huge turnaround for a side that had lost five of their previous six games.
TEAMS:
ESPANYOL: Casilla, Colotto, Capdevila, Forlin; Simao, Verdu, Sanchez, Baena, Lopez; Garcia, Stuani
CELTA VIGO: Varas; Cabral, Demidov, Lago, Johny; Oubina Fernandez, Lopez, Krohn-Dehli; Bermejo, Aspas
The home side picked up a vital three points against relegation contenders Deportivo La Coruna on December 30, but were thumped by Barcelona at the Nou Camp last time out. That said, they have kept two clean sheets in their last five matches, having kept the same amount of shutouts in the fifteen games prior to Aguirre’s arrival.
They will not look at the league table too fondly as they currently occupy 18th position, but the closeness in La Liga, especially at the bottom of the table, will give them confidence. In fact, there are just four points separating the bottom six teams. Athletic Bilbao sit in 14th with 21 points, but even they are not out of trouble.
Celta’s form, meanwhile, has been patchy in recent weeks. They have won just two of their last five matches in all competitions, but impressed with victory in the cup over Real Madrid on December 12. That said, they were well beaten at the Bernabeu on Wednesday in possibly their poorest performance of the season.
It would probably be fair to state that Espanyol and Celta have struggled to score goals this season. They have both managed just 19 goals in the league from 18 matches. However, Celta have the fifth best defence in the league with just 23 goals conceded. That is in contrast to Espanyol who have conceded 30, the fourth highest in the division.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Espanyol have won three of the past five matches, drawing twice. The last league clash came back in 2007 when Espanyol picked up all three points against their opponents this evening. However, it would be fair to state that much has changed at both clubs since then.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I just cannot separate these two teams this evening. Celta have struggled on the road in recent weeks, but Espanyol do not score too many goals. It's 1-1 for me. Just about five minutes until kickoff.
Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just a reminder of the main team news. Espanyol name a full-strength side with Verdu, Simao and Sergio Garcia all in the starting team. Celta also recall their big guns with Iago Aspas returning to the side. It has all the makings of an open game of football.
Here we go then. Today's referee is Miguel Perez. Let's hope that we are discussing the football and not the officials come the end of the match. A reminder that three points for the home side would move them out of the relegation zone and level on points with Celta. Meanwhile, an away win would move Celta into 14th. Celta get the action underway.
Decent possession from the home side in the opening couple of minutes with Baena, Verdu and Simao seeing plenty of the ball. You just get the feeling that the first goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Not a full house inside the stadium this evening, but a good crowd nonetheless.
Half-chance for Espanyol as Verdu attempts to slip a pass towards Javi Lopez, but Cabral is out to clear the danger. The ball does eventually come to Lopez moments later, but his shot is tame and straight at Javi Varas. Good work from Aspas down the other end as he drives into the box, but his strike is just wide of the target.
Neither side has really settled with possession in the opening six minutes of the match. Espanyol have certainly seen more of the ball, but their passing in and around the Celta penalty area has been slightly wayward. It is the type of game that both teams will think that they can win. Wonderful noise from the Espanyol supporters at the moment.
Decent spell for Celta in the last couple of minutes with Mario Bermejo and Michael Krohn-Dehli enjoying touches of the ball in the final third. Aspas remains the focal point of their attack, but he has been well marshalled thus far. Verdu probes down the other end before finding Simao in the box, but Roberto Lago is on hand to clear the danger.
Slightly untidy period of the match with both teams exchanging possession in midfield. Capdevila almost puts his fellow defender Forlin in trouble with a short pass, but the Argentine is able to clear the danger. Simao attacks down the other end, but the winger is ruled offside having collected a pass from Baena.
It's good work from Lago as the Celta defender dances past two challenges before firing a low cross into the penalty area, but Francisco Casilla is equal to the danger with Aspas floating. We are still waiting for the first real chance with 12 minutes on the clock. However, there have certainly been signs that both teams will get opportunities.
The home supporters are certainly responding to their side at the moment as Espanyol continue to put pressure on Celta in their own half. That is certainly the case when teams are struggling, all the fans want to see is a bit of heart and desire. The away side force a corner down the other end, but the delivery from Krohn-Dehli is poor and the danger is cleared.
Again it's good football from the home side with Verdu combining with Garcia before the latter attempts to find Stuani, but the danger is cleared. Baena keeps the pressure on as the Spaniard fires a low cross into the box, but it just would not fall for Garcia with Demidov on hand to clear.
CHANCE! Best chance of the match by some distance as Aspas meets a cross from Lago in the penalty area, but his header is pushed over the crossbar by Casilla. The resulting corner is fired straight into the penalty box, but once more the danger is scrambled clear. The game has certainly livened up in the past few moments.
Celta have just started to look the more dangerous in the final third with Aspas causing a host of problems with his pace and movement. Again it's good work from the Spaniard as he combines with Bermejo, but Forlin just steps across to clear the danger. It is so delicately poised with 20 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Garcia meets a cross from Verdu, but the striker can only head his effort over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Verdu follows suit with a similar chance moments later. The home supporters continue to make their voices known. Both teams have been nice and tidy in possession thus far.
Much brighter from Espanyol in the past few moments as they force two corners in quick succession, but it comes to nothing. Verdu and Simao have certainly been the two shining lights for the home side in recent weeks, and that is the case again this evening. Little over 20 minutes of the half remaining.
GOAL! Espanyol 1-0 Celta Vigo (Garcia)
First blood to Espanyol! The home side take the lead as Stuani drives down the left before firing a low cross into the penalty area and Lopez simply cannot miss from close range. That is the striker's second league goal of the season. What a big one it could turn out to be.
You cannot say that it had been coming, but there were signs that Espanyol were starting to raise the tempo. However, you cannot help but feel that this match is far from over. Stuani continues to cause a host of problems with his pace and power, but this time Cabral clears with Lopez in close proximity.
Decent response from the away side in the past few moments as they enjoy a spell of possession in the Espanyol half, but they have struggled to find Aspas since the very early stages. Krohn-Dehli has a strike from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the target.
Again it's good work from Stuani as the powerful striker evades two challenges before firing a low cross into the box, but Demidov is on hand to make the clearance. Celta attempt to threaten down the other end as Aspas searches out the run of Fernandez, but it is simply too tight with a host of bodies in close proximity.
Second yellow card of the match is handed to Javi Lopez as the Espanyol defender fells Aspas outside the box. The resulting free kick is taken the striker, but Casilla comes out to clear the danger. Meanwhile, Alex Lopez also has his name taken for a foul on Simao down the other end.
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and the two sides continue to be separated by a strike from Sergio Garcia. There has not been too many clear chances for either side, with Aspas perhaps looking the most likely for Celta. Meanwhile, the home supporters continue to create a wonderful atmosphere inside the ground.
Not a great deal to report in terms of chances in the past few moments. In fact, the match has become slightly bitty with both teams giving away a host of fouls in and around the centre circle. It has not been that type of match with the referee keeping a lid on things. The next goal in this match could ultimately decide the result.
Decent pressure from Celta in the past few moments with Baena and Lopez both breaking forward from midfield. The ball is eventually collected by Aspas, but the striker cannot sort out his feet with Colotto in close proximity. It has become a really bitty affair with some handbags between the two sets of players.
Little under five minutes of the half remaining and the score still stands at 1-0. A reminder that three points for Espanyol would move them out of the relegation zone. Again it's good work from Stuani as the powerful striker continues to win free kicks for his side in the Celta half.
Espanyol have just taken control of the possession in the last few moments as they pass their way to the half-time whistle. It has been a match of few chances, but the only statistic that matters sees the home side lead. Both teams attempt to cause problems with high balls into the opposing box, but each goalkeeper calmly deals with the danger.
Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the half. Javier Aguirre will certainly be pleased with his side's performance thus far. However, Paco Herrera will want more of an attacking threat for Celta in the second period.
HALF-TIME: Espanyol 1-0 Celta Vigo
So there we have it. The whistle is blown with the two sides separated by a single strike from Sergio Garcia. In truth, it has not been a match full of chances. Not that the home side will mind as they lead with 45 minutes left to play.
A reminder that as things stand Espanyol will move out of the relegation zone and onto 18 points. Meanwhile, Celta would remain in 15th position. That would consequently leave Osasuna, Deportivo and Granada in the relegation zone. But each will get the chance to respond this weekend.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Celta have dominated the possession with 63%, but they have managed just five attempts to Espanyol's six. The home side have had two shots on target in contrast to Celta's one. It has been that type of match with clear chances very much at a premium.
Let me just take this moment to remind you what we have to come this evening. Following the completion of this match, we have action from Osasuna versus Real Madrid. The La Liga coverage does not end there, however, with Valencia versus Sevilla to come from 9pm. Be sure to remain with us. Right, the second period is just a couple of moments away.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal in this match - if there indeed is one - could have a huge say on the final result. I am sticking with my pre-match prediction of a 1-1 draw. Espanyol get the second period underway.
Decent start to the second period from Celta with Fernandez and Lopez enjoying early possession of the ball. The latter attempts to find the run of Aspas, but the pass never had enough pace to trouble the home side's defence. Let's hope for more clear chances as the match develops.
CHANCE! Celta's best chance of the match comes to Demidov as the defender is found from an Aspas free kick, but he cannot find the target from close range. His look says it all. This game really should be level. But the chance appears to have given the away side confidence.
The challenges continue to fly in from both sides, but in fairness to the referee he has not overreacted with the match given the chance to prosper. A half-chance comes to the home side as Stuani is found by Verdu, but his powerful header is pushed over the crossbar by Casilla. That's a really smart save.
The chances continue to fall for the home side as they force two corners in quick succession, but Espanyol cannot find the final touch and the danger is cleared. It is difficult to see how Celta would respond if they fell 2-0 behind. It has been a really bright opening to the second period.
Aspas continues to be closely monitored by the Espanyol defence as the Spaniard is fouled for what seems like the 100th time. This time the resulting free kick is taken by Lago, but his effort is just wide of the post. It would be very surprising if there were not more goals in this match with around 35 minutes of football to play.
Celta continue to pass and probe in the Espanyol half with Aspas the main focal point, but they have been unable to find that decisive final pass thus far. Capdevilla turns back the years as he collects possession before driving down the other end, but he cannot find a telling cross into the box. The score remains 1-0 as we approach the hour mark.
The pressure continues from the away side as they force a host of crosses into the Espanyol box, but desperate defending clears the danger. It really is all one-way traffic at the moment with Espanyol playing mostly on the counter. Meanwhile, it appears that the first change of the match will soon be made.
Indeed the change is made by the away side as Fernandez is replaced by Enrique De Lucas. He Spaniard has around 30 minutes to make his mark in this match. Aspas remains the shining light for Celta as he fires a cross into the box, but Forlin can only turn behind for a corner.
The pressure continues as Celta force yet another corner, but this time the delivery from Aspas is poor as he fails to beat the first man. This is a real test for Espanyol. This is the type of result that will shape their season. But they simply cannot gather possession with 64 minutes on the clock.
The home supporters are really raising their side at the moment. It almost works as Garcia collects possession before turning and striking an effort on goal, but it never had enough power to test the goalkeeper. Aspas attempts to meet a long pass down the other end, but he cannot collect with the goalkeeper clearing the danger.
Quite incredible incident here as Simao is booked for moving the ball prior to a free kick. It is difficult to imagine that a man of his experience would be trying to waste time with a lot of football left to play. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in this match as Celta attack down the wing, but once more it comes to nothing. Still no movement on the Espanyol bench.
It's good work from Johny as the Celta defender drives down the left before attempting to cut into the penalty area, but once more Capdevila clears the danger. The experienced Spanish international has seen it all before. He has been simply brilliant this evening. Little over 20 minutes of football to play in this match.
Meanwhile, Celta make their second change of the match as Toni replaces Krohn-Dehli, who has struggled to get into the game this evening. Half-chance for the home side as Simao fires a low cross into the penalty area, but Stuani can only turn wide of the post. It is so delicately poised with still a large chunk of the second period remaining.
Capdevilla wins another free kick for the home side as he embarks on another run down the left. The resulting free kick is taken by Simao, but Varas just manages to palm to safety. The pressure remains as Baena fires a low cross into the penalty area, but the danger is cleared for a corner. All-action football here.
Celta make their third and final change as Park Chu-young replaces Bermejo. The on-loan Arsenal striker has not really been among the goals this season, but he can cause problems with his physical presence. The match has certainly turned in the past few minutes, however, with the home side looking the most likely to add to the scoring.
Just as I say that Celta begin to take control of proceedings once more with Lago causing problems down the left, but he cannot find a teammate with a low cross into the box. A corner does arrive via the head of Colotto, but Aspas can only head wide from the resulting set piece. They certainly have had chances to level the score.
First change of the match for the home side as Christian Alfonso replaces Verdu, who has had another productive game in the middle of midfield. He is a real crowd favourite. Little over 10 minutes of football to play and Espanyol lead in this key relegation six-pointer. It cannot be overestimated the importance of this match.
Slightly bitty period to the match at the moment with both sides exchanging spells of possession. There is a penalty shout for Espanyol as Garcia is bundled over in the penalty area, but the referee is not interested. Celta gain a free kick down the other end from a Simao challenge, but Aspas's effort is deflected behind for a corner, which is cleared.
End-to-end football at the moment as Espanyol come close with a couple of high balls into the penalty area, but the danger is cleared before Aspas fires over the crossbar down the other end. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change as Samuele Longo replaces Simao. Little over five minutes of football to play.
It really is like a cup match at the moment with the challenges adding to the excitement. This has been a proper game of football make no mistake about that. But it is Espanyol who, as it stands, will be moving out of the relegation zone. The home currently have possession in the Celta half.
A couple of half-chances for the home side as Garcia drives into the penalty area before firing a low cross towards Longo, but the striker just cannot collect and it moves out for a throw. Celta attack down the other end with Aspas, but once more the danger is cleared. Will we have late drama in this match with two minutes of normal time remaining?
Half-chance for the home side as Alfonso collects possession from Sanchez, but he can only fire his effort over the crossbar. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes of football. That is plenty of time for some late drama here.
Celta continue to threaten as they force a series of high balls into the Espanyol box, but the danger continues to be cleared. Meanwhile, Casilla comes to collect and wastes a few vital seconds in the match. The home side currently have possession with little over one minute remaining.
Espanyol continue to keep hold of the possession with Celta chasing shadows. Longo attempts to dance into the penalty area for the home side, but the danger is quelled. Alfonso takes the ball into the corner before finding Longo, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Little over 20 seconds of football to play. Espanyol make their final change as Garcia is replaced by Albin.
FULL-TIME: Espanyol 1-0 Celta Vigo
So there we have it. Espanyol pick up a vital three points to move out of the relegation zone in La Liga. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and stay with us for action from Osasuna against Real Madrid. Until then!
