Espanyol met Valencia in the second leg of their last-16 Copa del Rey clash on Tuesday.
The away side entered the match as the slight favourites to advance following a 2-1 win in the first leg at the Mestalla.
Valencia were reduced to 10 men in the first period when Shkodran Mustafi was sent from the field, but Espanyol could not make their advantage count in the opening 45 minutes.
The home side eventually took the lead through Felipe Caicedo after 79 minutes, however, before the Portuguese added a second late on to see the Barcelona-based team advance 3-2 on aggregate.
Espanyol will meet either Levante or Malaga, who face off later tonight, in the next round.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Copa del Rey coverage continues from Barcelona as Espanyol welcome Valencia for the second leg of their last-16 clash. As it stands, Valencia lead 2-1 from the first leg last week. Right, before anything else, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news.
TEAMS
ESPANYOL: Pau; J.Lopez, Alvaro, Moreno, V.Alvarez; Vasquez, Abraham, Canas, Duarte; Stuani, Garcia
VALENCIA: Yoel; Mustafi, Otamendi, Vezo; Barragan, Fuego, Gomes, Perez, Gaya; Alcacer, De Paul
Espanyol boss Sergio has made a whole host of changes from the team that lost at Real Madrid, with Pau Lopez, Hector Moreno, Lucas Vasquez and Arbaham among those coming into the side. There is also a place in the XI for 19-year-old defender Ruben Duarte. Skipper Sergio Garcia also starts in attack.
Valencia boss Nuno, meanwhile, has handed starts to Ruben Vezo, Javi Fuego and Rodrigo de Paul. Aside from those three changes, it is a full-strength XI, with the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Andre Gomes and Paco Alcacer all included. January signing Enzo Perez, meanwhile, retains his spot.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Valencia have won two of the last five, with Espanyol also winning once and the further two ending in draws. As mentioned, Valencia were 2-1 winners in the first leg last week, while they have also beaten Espanyol 3-1 in the league this season.
That said, the last time that the two sides met in this stadium was in August 2013 and it was Espanyol that recorded all three points with a 3-1 win. That score here would be enough for the home side to advance, but they enter the match off the back of three successive defeats in all competitions.
On Saturday, Espanyol were beaten 3-0 at Real Madrid, but a fairly solid first half to the season has left them in 10th position in La Liga. In terms of their progression in this competition, the Barcelona-based side overcame Deportivo Alaves 3-0 on aggregate to book their spot in the round of 16.
Valencia, meanwhile, beat Rayo Vallecano 6-5 on aggregate in the previous round of the competition. They were 2-1 winners in Madrid, but were given a real scare at the Mestalla, with the score eventually finishing 4-4. Nuno will be looking for a smoother progression into the quarter-finals here.
Valencia will enter the match off the back of a fairly disappointing 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo at the weekend, but they did end Real Madrid's long winning run the week before. In all competitions, Los Che are eight matches unbeaten and have their sights set on a top-four finish in La Liga.
PREDICTION! In truth, I am finding it difficult to envisage Valencia getting beat this evening. Both sides have rested key players, but Los Che look much stronger on paper. A draw would see the visitors progress, but I think that they have enough to claim a 2-1 victory on the night.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Can Espanyol turn this tie around on their own patch? The home side get the first 45 minutes underway here.
Espanyol have done their best to raise the attendance this evening by offering cut-price tickets, but it is still not a full house - far from it in fact. That said, there is still a decent atmosphere and the home side will need their fans tonight. It is Espanyol that have taken control of the early possession here.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening four minutes, but plenty is happening in the middle of the park, with neither side shirking any of the challenges, which is a good sign!
Just a reminder that Valencia lead 2-1 from the first leg and therefore 2-1 Espanyol after 90 minutes is the only score that would bring extra-time. As expected, both sides are fairly cautious early on.
BOOKING! Canas (Espanyol) goes into the book for a poor challenge on Barragan.
The resulting free kick is delivered towards the far post, but Javi Lopez is on hand to clear for a corner. Good period of pressure from the away side, who are starting to look dangerous in attack.
Possession football from the away side as they continue to pass and probe outside the box, but Espanyol are a threat on the counter, with Garcia causing problems. Eventually Duarte delivers a cross into the Valencia box, but Yoel, who has replaced Dani Alves this evening, is on hand to claim.
Half-chance for Valencia this time as De Paul finds some space outside the Espanyol box, but his effort was always straight into the body of Espanyol's 20-year-old goalkeeper Pau. Still goalless.
The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last few minutes following a couple of late challenges. However, there has been just the one booking in the opening 14 minutes.
RED CARD! Mustafi (Valencia)
Oh my good grief! Valencia are reduced to 10 men as Mustafi loses control of the ball before pulling Garcia to the ground just outside his own box. The defender had to go for that last-man challenge.
Garcia will take the resulting free kick...
... instead it is Vasquez that strikes towards goal, but his effort smashes into the wall.
Valencia need to be really careful here as the pressure continues from the home side, who really have their tails up at the moment. Just a reminder that Espanyol currently trail 2-1 on aggregate.
The crowd are really up for this at the moment as Espanyol again break in a wide area, but Barragan is across to make the challenge. Valencia really need a period of stable possession here.
Espanyol continue to commit numbers in the final third, but we are still waiting for the first real chance of the match with 20 minutes now on the clock. Espanyol really need a goal during this strong spell.
SAVE! First real chance for the home side as Duarte meets a loose ball on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight at Yoel, who makes a very smart save - pushing the ball away from danger.
Valencia have managed to regain control of the ball in the last few minutes, but they are struggling to create in the final third of the field. The red card to Mustafi has certainly impacted their game-plan. However, it is they who lead 2-1 on aggregate. The onus is indeed on the home side here.
CHANCE! Another chance for the home side as Duarte delivers a super ball towards the near post, but Stuani's header is just wide of the post. The opportunities are falling to Espanyol.
Alvaro Negredo has been sent to warm-up a couple of times for Valencia and that could be a change that Nuno is preparing - even at this stage. The Spaniard would be a better bet to hold the ball up rather than Paco Alcacer, who likes to feed off a fellow forward. Little over 15 mins of the first period to play.
Gaya has a problem for Valencia here following a heavy aerial collision with Garcia.
Espanyol have managed to regain control of the ball in the last couple of minutes, but they have not created too much in the final third. It appears that Negredo will soon join us here...
SUB! Valencia indeed make the change as Negredo replaces Alcacer.
Alcacer does not look very happy on the sidelines, but it was a change that needed to be made. Immediately Valencia look to have more control in the final third, with Negredo holding it up. That said, Valencia have not had a single opportunity of note thus far. It was been a struggle for them.
BOOKING!! Vezo (Valencia) goes into the book for a late challenge on Stuani.
Half-chance for the away side as De Paul finds some space outside the box before driving one towards the bottom corner, but his effort was always straight into the arms of the waiting goalkeeper.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for the home side as Duarte picks out Alvarez inside the Valencia box, but the Spaniard fires high and wide of the crossbar. Clearest opportunity thus far.
In fairness, Valencia have done well to escape a couple of goals in this half. The red card really hurt them, but they still lead 2-1 on aggregate. The onus is very much on Espanyol to continue pressing.
Duarte, who is just 19, has been very, very good for the home side tonight. He's one to watch.
CHANCE! Talk of the man - Duarte has a wonderful chance for the home side after meeting a low cross from Garcia, but Vezo is on hand to make a stunning block. What an opportunity!
BOOKED! Alvarez (Espanyol) is booked for simulation.
HALF-TIME: Espanyol 0-0 Valencia
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two sides level at 0-0. Valencia's task was made harder after just 14 minutes when Mustafi was sent from the field, but they have managed to repel a host of pressure. As it stands, Valencia will advance with an aggregate score of 2-1.
STATS! Espanyol have just shaded the possession with 55%, while they have had three attempts - just one of which has been on target. Valencia, meanwhile, have had two attempts on target. There have also been three bookings, in addition to the red, following a couple of feisty challenges.
BENCH WATCH! Espanyol do not have too many attacking options on their bench this evening, but both Alex and Caicedo are available. Espanyol, meanwhile, have already made one change, with Negredo replacing Alcacer. However, they still have the likes of Ibanez and Parejo in reserve.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that as it stands, Valencia lead 2-1 on aggregate. The visitors get the second 45 minutes underway.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise at this stage of events. However, I suspect alterations will occur if the score remains goalless for the next 20 mins or so.
CHANCE! Espanyol have a golden chance to take the lead as Stuani meets a deep cross from Alvarez, but Vezo is on hand to bundle clear once more. How on earth is this game still goalless!
Valencia just need to be a little careful here as Fuego concedes a free kick just outside the box. However, the resulting free kick from Vasquez is once again bundled clear. Valencia are living dangerously.
It is all Espanyol at the moment as Garcia combines with Vasquez outside the box, but the striker's effort is blocked en route to goal. Valencia just cannot get out of their own half as the pressure comes straight back. However, as it stands, the away side still lead the last-16 tie 2-1 on aggregate.
BOOKING! De Paul (Valencia) is booked for handball.
The pressure continues from the home side as Vasquez drives into the heart of the Valencia box, but Vezo is on hand to clear at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered towards the far post, but Otamendi is above Stuani to make the clearance. It is non-stop pressure at the moment.
It is seriously like watching a training exercise as Espanyol camp outside the Valencia box, but the away side again scramble clear. Little over 30 minutes of this second period remaining in Barcelona.
Valencia have just managed to stem the flow of pressure in the last couple of minutes, with De Paul offering an outlet in a wide position. Their sustained period of possession does not bring a chance, though.
Garcia apearas to have a slight problem for Espanyol, which is not good news. The Spaniard is their best player by a million miles and has the capabilities of finding that elusive pass.
Vasquez delivers another deep cross into the Valencia box, but once again the danger is cleared. It appears that Espanyol boss Sergio is preparing to make his first change of the match just past the hour.
SUB! Espanyol make their first change as Sevilla replaces Alvarez.
Just a reminder that one goal for Espanyol would see them into the next round. Well, as it stands anyway. That would leave the scores level at 2-2, but Espanyol would lead on away goals in Barcelona.
Espanyol have upped the tempo once more as Duarte delivers a low cross towards the near post, but Barragan is on hand to clear. The pressure continues from another cross, but Valencia clear their lines. That has been the pattern of the second period. Valencia are preparing another change here...
SUB! Valencia make their second change as Orban replaces De Paul.
Little under 20 minutes of this contest remaining and the score is still level, which means that Valencia are heading into the quarter-finals. However, as it stands, one goal would do it for Espanyol.
Pass, pass, pass from Espanyol as they attempt to find a route into the Valencia box. Eventually Vasquez strikes one from outside the box, but his effort deflects high and wide for yet another corner.
SUB! Espanyol make their second change as Caicedo replaces Javi Lopez.
You just get the feeling that there is a goal in this match. Valencia have defended so well, but you have to think that a ball is eventually going to drop to a blue and white shirt inside the Los Che box.
BOOKING! Barragan (Valencia) is booked for a poor challenge on Sevilla.
GOAL! Espanyol 1-0 Valencia (Caicedo)
Breakthrough Espanyol! The home side take the lead after 79 minutes as Caciedo heads a Sevilla free kick into the back of the net. As it stands, they are through to the next round!
BOOKING! Caicedo (Espanyol) was booked for removing his shirt during the celebration.
Now the onus is on Valencia, but they have really struggled in the final third all evening.
Valencia are not finished here as Alvaro brings Barragan to the ground just outside the Espanyol box. The resulting set piece is delivered towards the far post, but Vezo is quickly crowded out.
SUB! Valencia make their third change as Parejo replaces Otamendi.
SUB! Espanyol make their third change as Victor Sanchez replaces Stuani.
Espanyol have the ball in the Valencia half with little over two minutes of normal time remaining. Caicedo has made a big difference to the home side there is no question about that.
GOAL! Espanyol 2-0 Valencia (Caicedo)
Espanyol have all but booked their spot in the next round as Caicedo collects a low cross from Vasquez before thumping one into the bottom corner. Stunning finish from the powerful forward.
As it stands, one Valencia goal would force extra-time.
We are into the third minute of added time here and Valencia cannot get the ball. It has been a deserved win for the home side there is no doubt about that.
Half-chance for Valencia as Parejo meets a loose ball inside the box, but Moreno is on hand to make a stunning challenge. Espanyol are almost there as Caicedo breaks into the Valencia half.
FULL-TIME: Espanyol 2-0 Valencia (Espanyol advance 3-2 on aggregate)
So there we have it. A very strong performance from Espanyol sees them advance into the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 3-2 aggregate win over Valencia. They will meet either Levante or Malaga in the next round of the competition. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
