Manolo's ear-pulling has an immediate effect

BarcelonaAfter Manolo González's dressing-down on Thursday, Espanyol bounced back in La Liga with a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, displaying a stark contrast to their Copa del Rey elimination against Atlético Baleares. The Blanquiazules rediscovered the intensity, energy, and courage that have characterized their performance this season and continue their European dream. A penalty from Roberto puts Manolo's team in fifth place, just four points off the Champions League spots. However, they have a game in hand over fourth-placed Atlético de Madrid.

The Catalan coach's frustration after the "horrible" match against Atlético Baleares was evident from the opening whistle. Only Edu Expósito retained his starting position, and Espanyol came out aggressively from the first minute. However, a turnover by Urko – who gifted the ball to Ratiu inside his own penalty area – nearly sent a chill through the more than 28,000 fans present at the RCDE Stadium. Fortunately, the Espanyol goal was well covered by Dmitrovic following Joan Garcia's departure. Rayo Vallecano failed to capitalize on their opponent's mistake, but Espanyol did. And this proved to be the key difference that ultimately decided the match. Every time the Madrid team tried to play out from the back, it was practically an opportunity for the Catalans, who regained possession in the opposition's half with effective pressing. Dolan, the most active player on the pitch, cleverly stole the ball from Pep Chavarría, who, eager to make amends, brought the Englishman down inside the area. Roberto converted the penalty.

Dolan nearly got Mendy sent off, forcing him to foul the winger to stop him from going one-on-one with Batalla after another Rayo Vallecano turnover. The game became increasingly chaotic as the minutes ticked by, fueled by referee Sánchez Martínez, who handed out yellow cards with abandon. In this context, Manolo opted to protect Pol Lozano, who was close to receiving a second yellow and being sent off. However, Iñigo Pérez couldn't do the same for Unai López, who received his second yellow card while trying to correct yet another Rayo error in their build-up play.

Espanyol is strong at home

With an extra man on the pitch, Espanyol had two chances to seal the victory. First, a penalty was awarded, but the referee reviewed it with VAR and decided there was no foul. Mendy – who had already been on the verge of a red card earlier – jumped with his hands clearly tugged, but Sánchez Martínez didn't penalize him, unsure whether he had touched the ball or not. Shortly after, the RCDE Stadium erupted in celebration of Kike García's goal – which he had perfectly outmaneuvered Batalla – but it was disallowed for a marginal offside. This refereeing prominence was further compounded by Dolan's sending off for two yellow cards. The first was for diving, the second for a foul. Espanyol will surely appeal both decisions. In any case, the Blanquiazules continue to make their stadium a (virtually) impregnable fortress. Only Betis and Villarreal have managed to secure three points there this season. The next team to visit will be Joan Garcia's Barça.