Sporting: Juan Pablo; Lora, Botía,
Iván Hernández, José Angel; Eguren, Nacho Cases; Miguel De
las Cuevas (Bilic 85'), André Castro (Nacho Novo 64'), Diego Castro;
Barral (Sangoy 78'). 4-2-3-1.
Espanyol: Kameni;
Galán, Jordi Amat, Raúl Rodríguez, Chica; Javi
López (Javi Márquez 46'), Verdú; Luis García (Rui
Fonte 81'), Iván Alonso (Alvaro Vázquez 78'), Callejón;
Osvaldo. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
1-0. 70. Nacho Novo. Turned ball in on far post after
Raúl headed back long cross.
Yellow cards: Raúl Rodríguez 11', Javi López 21', Iván Alonso 51', Javi Márquez 53', Jordi Amat 58', Botía 59', Verdú 87'.
Espanyol are now four points off the Europa League spots after a 1-0 defeat at Sporting Gijón. It was an emotive day for coach Manuel Preciado after his father died shortly before the match, and the players dedicated to him a win which virtually ensures their salvation for another year. Chances fell to both sides before the break, Juan Pablo punching up a long shot from Luis García and Kameni saving well from Diego Castro, and Osvaldo brought another good save out of the local keeper from a second half header. With twenty minutes to go though Raúl Rodríguez could only head back a long cross from José Angel, and Nacho Novo picked up the ball on the far post to score what was to prove the only goal of the game.