Barcelona: Striker Pablo Osvaldo scored one goal and set up another to give Espanyol a 2-1 win over Athletico Bilbao on Monday in the Spanish League.
Espanyol dominated early and Osvaldo capitalized by firing home his 11th goal of the season via the left post in the 35th minute, only to see Markel Susaeta curl a free kick around the wall to equalize for Bilbao two minutes before halftime.
Fernando Llorente came on for Bilbao after the break, but Espanyol continued to create chances until forward Ivan Alonso tapped in a low cross from Osvaldo at the far post in the 76th to reclaim the lead for good.
"Espanyol pressured us a lot and hurt us with their strategy of playing long balls up the pitch," said Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros. "The fight for Europe is going to be neck-and-neck down the stretch."
Espanyol's first win in six games kept its bid for a Europa League spot alive as it drew to within three points of seventh-place Bilbao with four rounds to play.
"The team will put all its energy toward achieving a place in Europe," said Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino, who extended his contract with his the club until 2014 on Sunday.
Comments
0 comment