Espanyol: Roberto; Víctor Sánchez (Oscar Duarte 84’), David López, Diego Reyes, Aarón Martín; Javi Fuego, Salva Sevilla (Caicedo 75‘); Hernán Pérez (Melendo 75’), Jurado, Piatti; Gerard Moreno. 4-2-3-1.
Deportivo: Tyton; Juanfran, Albentosa, Sidnei, Fernando Navarro; Emre Çolak, Guilherme, Celso Borges, Bruno Gama (Luisinho 85’); Andone (Borja Valle 92’), Joselu. 4-4-2.
Goals:
0-1. 59. Celso Borges. Got above marker to head Çolak corner across Roberto.
1-1. 63. Gerard. Steered shot past Tyton after Sidnei failed to clear Aarón cross.
Yellow cards: Juanfran 17’, 90’, Guilherme 24’, Salva Sevilla 27’ / red cards: Juanfran 90’.
La Liga returned following the short winter break, Espanyol and Deportivo kicking things off with a 1-1 draw on Friday evening. Neither side had too many chances in a dull first half, the best a shot from Piatti which Tyton dealt with easily, and a dangerous Çolak free kick which hit the defensive wall. After the restart however Celso Borges volleyed a shot against the crossbar and Tyton had to make saves from Gerard Moreno, Piatti and Jurado, and with an hour on the clock Borges headed the opener from a Çolak corner. Just three minutes later though Moreno levelled the scores after Sidnei failed to control a cross from Aarón Martin, and with the game coming to a close Juanfran was sent off for a second bookable offence, and Jurado hit the bar with the resulting free kick, Javi Fuego failing to turn in the rebound. A point apiece though to start of the new year, and both teams remain in mid-table.