Puado's 90th-Minute Rescue: Espanyol Denies Valencia in Pulsating Draw

Pflichttermin Futmetrix-Wertung: 93/100. A relentless six-pointer where four lead changes, dominant attacking play, and late-game heroics proved that La Liga's intensity remains unmatched—neither team willing to surrender.

The Siege Begins: Danjuma's Early Statement

Valencia struck with surgical precision. In the 15th minute, Arnaut Danjuma finished clinically after Luis Rioja's assist, setting the tone for a match that would see the lead change hands four times. But Espanyol refused to fold. The home side unleashed a barrage—21 shots total, 10 on target—turning the Cornellà into a shooting gallery while Valencia managed just five attempts.

The balance shifted in the 59th minute when L. Cabrera equalized after Exposito's assist. Momentum swung back to Valencia two minutes later: Hugo Duro capitalized on substitute F. Ugrinic's assist to restore the visitors' advantage. Yet Espanyol's territorial dominance—56% possession, 11 corners—promised one final twist.

The Drama of the Denouement

The stakes reached their apex in stoppage time. Javi Puado crashed home the equalizer after Roberto Fernández Jaén (introduced in the 57th minute) delivered the assist. It was the fourth lead change—a testament to neither team's willingness to cede ground.

Julen Agirrezabala was the difference-maker for Valencia. His six saves kept the visitors afloat amid Espanyol's relentless assault. A combined 26 shots, 12 on target, and 11 set-piece opportunities created a pressure cooker where only the goalkeeper's reflexes prevented a rout. The 2-2 scoreline masks the true narrative: Espanyol dominated possession and chances, Valencia survived through defensive resilience and goalkeeper heroics, and both teams earned their point through sheer refusal to break.