A majestic Espanyol makes a statement in Vallecas.

BarcelonaEspanyol are beginning to see some silver linings on the day that is shaping up as a storm. The Blue and Whites earned a valuable victory in Vallecas (0-4), where they put together their best performance of the season and, arguably, their most inspired in years. It was a powerful blow against a Rayo Vallecano side that, despite timidly resuming its form in the second half, was clearly outclassed. A crucial victory that could have been even greater and which temporarily keeps Espanyol away from relegation.

The downpour before the match served as inspiration for Manolo González's men, who turned the first half into a flurry of chances. They created ten, most of them quite clear. Espanyol, in fact, were already 2-0 up in the 16th minute after Cabrera sent a corner from Expósito into the back of the net, and Roberto Fernández cleverly finished off a great transition in which two home players slipped at the wrong moment.

The Blue and Whites excelled defensively, always well-organized, based on a revamped midfield with Expósito and Roca and with Urko as a true bastion. Unlike previous matches, in which offensive production was rather scarce, this time Espanyol was a whirlwind and bared their teeth when Rayo, broken in midfield, committed any loss. The mission was clear: punish Rayo's defense with speed and verticality. And the plan worked like a charm.

The halftime result, in fact, was probably the worst news of a sensational first half for Espanyol, who overwhelmed their opponents with counterattacks. Puado and Romero had two chances, and Lozano and Roberto Fernández had enough clear-cut opportunities to put the game away in the first half. A struggle and a lack of accuracy prevented Espanyol from going into the break with a larger lead.

The visitors' storm subsided after the break, coinciding with a double substitution for Rayo. Iñigo Pérez withdrew two of his most inaccurate players, Aridane and Nteka, and the Madrid team took a step forward. When it was time to resist, the usual saint, Joan Garcia, appeared, reminding everyone why he is the goalkeeper who has saved the most goals in La Liga. The Sallent native expanded his repertoire with two colossal saves, first against De Frutos and then against Álvaro García. Puado sealed the victory from the penalty spot, and Pere Milla rounded off the night with the icing on the cake. Espanyol hadn't scored four away goals since 2016. RDT, making his debut in this league, was just another spectator to the Blue and White onslaught.