Spurs Loanee Steals the Show in Dramatic Finish

For a fourth game in a row, Alejo Veliz started up front, partnering captain Javi Puado in Manolo Gonzalez’s attritional 442 setup, as RCD Espanyol welcomed Rayo Vallecano.

It was a nightmare start for Espanyol, as their visitors took the lead after just four minutes. Heads did not drop though, as after just eight minutes we were all tied up again after Carlos Romero made it 1-1 in a very entertaining start to the game.

After 24 minutes, the Spurs youngster went close to putting his side ahead but headed off target from around the penalty spot after a decent delivery.

In a low-key affair, at half-time Veliz had recorded 5/8 aerial duels won, two clearances, and one shot off target in a game he was once again feeding off scraps in

Ten minutes into the second half and the striker got his second opportunity of the game, but shanked his header well wide of goal from a corner.

And then, deep into injury time, Espanyol sprung a fast counter-attack, and substitute Walid Cheddira teed up Veliz in the box, who controlled the ball, turned, and fired the ball into the back of the net to cause bedlem in the stadium. The Spurs youngster was booked for taking his shirt off in the celebrations.

Dramatic late winner from Alejo Veliz for Espanyol

It proved to be the all-important winner, as Espanyol held on for their first three points of the season having been promoted from the second tier last season.

Veliz played the whole 90 minutes, despite Espanyol making five changes. He finished the game with; three shots, 8/12 aerial duels won, one foul drawn, one blocked shot, and two clearances.

Despite the late goal, the style of play of this side does not feel optimal for his development.
Whilst he is a player capable of playing in a backs-to-the-wall side, showing good hold-up play and tenacity, he would still surely like to play in a side that creates more chances for him.

Of course, beggars can’t be choosers and part of the trade for game time is that you are more likely to be playing for a side lower down the league, that spends large parts of games defending and scrapping. He played for an on-paper better side at Sevilla last season and didn’t start a single game, with only six appearances off the bench. Let’s hope this goal and the buzz around it can really kick his Espanyol stint into life.