0-2: LUKÉBAKIO BRINGS BACK OUR SMILES

Friday night's win over RCD Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium was a sweet one. 

Xavi García Pimienta's side had to pick themselves up after the heavy defeat five days earlier in Barcelona, and they did just that, thanks to a first-half brace from an in-form Dodi Lukebakio. The Belgian, with two powerful left-footed shots, sealed the victory in a match which marked Stanis Idumbo's first start for the club, and handed Álvaro Ferrlo his first minutes defending our goal after an injury to Ørjan Nyland. In stoppage time, Jesús Navas would add to his legend by reaching two more career landmarks, becoming the player with the fourth most appearances for a single club in LaLiga history, as well as entering the top ten for total appearances in the competition, equalling Íker Casillas in both records.

We withstood the pressure brought by the home side in the opening stages of the match as they created the first goalscoring opportunities. However, it was García Pimienta's men who controlled the attacking situations of RCD Espanyol. With what was the major threat near the Espanyol goal first dangerous arrival in the area, Lukebakio's left-footed shot from the edge of the area was enough to put the first goal on the scoreboard. The Belgian's goal came after receiving a good pass from Idumbo, who showed signs of the great confidence he has, continually creating danger in the opposition half. In the final stages of the first half, a great run by Sambi Lokonga gave rise to a double chance for Juanlu and Isaac, but both efforts were scuppered at the last minute. Just as the first half seemed to be coming to an end, Lukébakio surprised the home side with a powerful low shot from just inside the area that Joan García could do nothing about.

Fifteen minutes after the restart, following an even start to the second 45 minutes, Nyland was forced off after suffering two heavy falls in a short space of time. Álvaro Ferllo came on to make his debut (against his former side) as the first changes were made, with Idumbo giving way to Valentín Barco. Former Sevilla player Alejo Véliz came close to closing the gap, with a corner that went narrowly wide, just past the midway point of the second half. Lukébakio tried to finish the game off with a volley that didn't come offr. Referee, Ortiz Arias, pointed to the penalty spot for a supposed handball by Nemanja Gudelj ten minutes from the end, but it was overruled by VAR. 

In stoppage time, Navas took to the field, breaking two records in the process. 

MATCH DETAILS

0. RCD Espanyol: Joan García, Oliván (Carlos Romero, 59'), Cabrera, Kumbulla, El Hilali (A. Roca, '67), Jofre (Pere Milla, 67'), Lozano, Kral, Tejero, Puado (Cardona, 81'), Cheddira (A. Véliz, 59'). 

2. Sevilla FC:  Nyland (Á. Ferllo, 62'), Carmona, Badé, Nianzou, Pedrosa, Gudelj, Juanlu (Sow, 80'), Sambi, Idumbo (Barco, 62'), Lukebakio (Agoumé, 99') e Isaac (J. Navas, 99').

GOALS: 0-1: Lukebakio, 19', 45'. 

BOOKINGS: Roca and Pol Lozano.