Sep, 24 2025
Match Overview
On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the RCDE Stadium became a pressure cooker as RCD Espanyol hosted Valencia CF for Matchday 6 of the 2025‑26 LaLiga EA Sports season. The kick‑off at 19:00 local time (17:00 UTC) set the stage for a game that would see six goals, tactical adjustments, and a heart‑stopping finish.
Valencia took an early initiative. In the 12th minute, Arnaut Danjuma seized a loose ball inside the box and slipped it past the Espanyol keeper, giving the visitors the lead. The momentum continued in the 27th minute when Hugo Duro, showing poise beyond his years, curled a low shot from the edge of the area to double Valencia’s advantage.
The home side responded with vigor. Espanyol’s midfield maestro, Josep Martínez, orchestrated a quick transition that led to a well‑timed header by Álex Collado in the 38th minute, cutting the deficit to one goal before halftime.
- Goal timeline:
- 12' – Arnaut Danjuma (Valencia)
- 27' – Hugo Duro (Valencia)
- 38' – Álex Collado (Espanyol)
- 76' – Espanyol equaliser (player name not disclosed in official report)
Espanyol’s equaliser came in the 76th minute, courtesy of a swift counter‑attack that ended with a tap‑in from their striker after a perfectly weighted pass from the right flank. The goal set off a flurry of chances from both sides, but it was the final minutes that delivered the drama.
As the clock ticked past 85 minutes, Valencia pressed hard for a winner, only to be met by a disciplined Espanyol defence that cleared multiple set‑piece deliveries. In the 89th minute, a corner from Valencia resulted in an own‑goal by Espanyol’s centre‑back, momentarily restoring Valencia’s lead, but the drama was far from over.
The decisive moment arrived in injury time. A dangerous free‑kick from Valencia was poorly cleared, allowing Espanyol’s winger to loop a cross into the box. A headed clearance struck the post, and the rebound fell to the home team’s midfielder, who slotted the ball home. The stadium erupted as the final whistle confirmed a 2‑2 stalemate – the Espanyol Valencia draw that left both sets of fans buzzing.
Post‑match Reactions and Outlook
Valencia forward Hugo Duro, who contributed a brace, was visibly frustrated in the post‑match interview. "It hurts because we fought hard and thought we were moving forward, but we left the game wanting more," he said. Duro singled out the defending from set‑pieces as the Achilles heel, noting that two of the three goals conceded came from dead‑ball situations.
Espanyol’s manager praised his side’s resilience, highlighting the late goal as evidence of the squad’s fighting spirit. He also hinted at tactical tweaks for upcoming fixtures, especially in managing the high press that Valencia employed in the second half.
In the league table, the draw cements Espanyol’s position in third place, keeping them within striking distance of the title race. Valencia, now ninth, must address the defensive lapses if they aim to climb back into the European spots.
Looking ahead, both clubs have crucial matches next week. Espanyol travels to face a fellow top‑four contender, while Valencia hosts a team battling relegation, providing an opportunity to bounce back and tighten that set‑piece defending Duro laments.