Veliz final – AS.com

One of the challenges for a reporter is to ensure that his text does not become a succession of goal-scoring opportunities, better or worse narrated, for both teams. And that was especially complicated in the Espanyol-Rayo, an open match, with alternatives, even back and forth, in which Véliz, with a great goal in the 96th minute, gave the first victory to the white and blues.It was a lottery, anyone could have won, but the three points stayed in Barcelona. The white and blues tried hard, as did the visitors, but overall it was an even match. Espanyol continues to have a secure goal and an increasingly less stormy relationship with the goal, already with four points under their belt, while Rayo, after a more than decent match, lacked the aim to take the three points..

The dizzying start produced two goals, a clear approach by Rayo and a match as disorganized as it was beautiful. The first to strike was precisely the Madrid team, who took the lead in the 4th minute thanks to a goal from Álvaro García. After a filtered pass from an Embarba eager to redeem himself, the Rayo striker did not forgive in 1-0 in the one-on-one. Joan touched it, but it was not enough. The blow seemed to knock out the locals, who nevertheless found the equalizer a few minutes later. Puado opened an excellent ball to the band for Jofre put the ball in the centre of the area for an improvised striker, Carlos Romero, who showed both poise and aim.Rayo could have even gone ahead again, but De Frutos’ inaccuracies with the ball and Brian Oliván’s speed prevented it.

The goals of both teams, in fact, came according to each team’s plan. Rayo always combined through the center, looking for the space between Kumbulla and Calero, which was often too big.He brought Pacha Espino in (who left injured and looks bad) and they got past Král and Gragera, who were less in tune than usual. Álvaro García was key in putting pressure on the blue and white midfielders. This is how the goal came. Espanyol, on the other hand, lacking talent in the midfield, tried to get out quickly, on the wing, and get balls into the area. Véliz showed that he is a good header in the 24th minute but Manolo González’s men lacked ideas when they had no meters to run. Puado tried to give more continuity to the midfield by dropping back, but the attack did not improve significantly. In an even and open match, Embarba asked for a penalty for the non-existent referee after an exquisite control inside the area on the edge of half-time.

Manolo González detected the problems inside at half-time, bringing on Cardona, and especially Aguado. A winger for a full-back (Brian Oliván) and an attacking midfielder for a defensive midfielder (Gragera) in what was also a clear sign that the Espanyol coach wanted the game. And it is true that Espanyol dominated a little more, hovered around the visitors’ goal more, but without any danger. Quite the opposite of what Rayo, who in two blows missed the opportunity to get ahead again. First in the 59th minute, after a filigree play by Álvaro García inside the area that Carlos Romero miraculously saved and Then, with a shot from Lejeune, a volley that crashed violently against the crossbar. The whole goal trembled. And so did the whole of Espanyol.

The duel was still a triple in the pools, a lottery, a succession of actions that could perfectly end in a win.l. The next one for Espanyol, who failed to send a corner into the net on three occasions: neither Cardona, Kral nor Cheddira. It was very clear.

In the final minutes the match seemed to be leaning in Rayo’s favour. Without the nerves of not having won and playing away from home, they were able to speculate a little more with the ball. But, if there is one thing about the lottery, it is that it can fall to anyone who buys tickets. And Véliz bought them all. He fought, he struggled, he played with his back turned, he battled with Rayo’s defense for 100 minutes and he won the prize. Cardona missed a clear one-on-one, completely alone, Cheddira collected the rebound and, After a masterful control, the Argentine striker made the entire Perica faithful happy. His first goal, the first victory and ecstasy at the RCDE Stadium.

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