Just when it looked as if the first half would end goalless, Guiseppe Rossi conjured up a magical goal that gives his side a halftime lead. The match has been played out at a frenetic pace, with both teams displaying the sort of quality that has seen them fight it out at the top of La Liga. With players like Valero, Cani, Javi Marquez and Jose Callejon on the pitch, you are guaranteed quality football.
Sergio Garcia has looked dangerous for Espanyol, his pace troubling Marchena and Gonzalo, but his lack of finishing instinct has been shown up by the little man at the other end of the field. I said Guiseppe Rossi was always capable of nicking a goal or two, but what a goal he has nicked tonight.
Bruno flighted the ball across the pitch, with Rossi holding his run perfectly to stay on side. The ball drifted out to the edge of the area, and with two defenders between Rossi and the goal it looked like the striker would have to wait for support. But from an impossible angle the stiker crashed an incredible shot between Carlos Kamenis hand and the top right corner of the goal. Absolutely stunning strike from Rossi.
An intense match that only promises to get better now Espanyol have to search for an equaliser.