Espanyol 2 - Celta 0

Espanyol: Argensó; Navas, Lopo, Soldevilla, David García; Alex Fernández, Paulo Sousa (Morales 68'); Martín Posse, Palencia (Munteanu 80'), Roger; Tamudo. 4-2-3-1.
Celta: Cavallero; Méndez, Cáceres, Sergio (Edu 60'), Sylvinho; Luccin, Vagner; Karpin, Mostovoi (Maurice 77'), Jesuli; Catanha. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Espanyol: David García, Paulo Sousa, Palencia for Rotchen, Ricardo Cavas, De Lucas / Celta: No change.

Goals:
1-0. 23. Palencia. Turned ball in on far post after cross from Martín Posse.
2-0. 76. Tamudo. Ran on past Méndez to lift ball over Cavallero.

Celta dropped out of the Champions League spots down to fifth after losing 2-0 at Espanyol. The defeat brings to an end the Gallician's impressive run of four high scoring victories in a row, and ends Espanyol's three match losing streak. The Catalans were on top throughout most of the match, particularly in the first half when they might have scored three or four once they had the first goal in the bag. However Celta did get off to a better start, and Karpin got the ball in the net only to see it ruled out for offside. However a defensive mistake midway through the half by a shaky Sylvinho down by the touchline handed the ball on a plate to Martín Posse, who was playing out wide in place of the suspended De Lucas. The Argentine forward ran on and crossed in for Palencia to score the first goal, his first in twelve matches.

After that it was one way traffic up to half time, and only a brilliant series of saves by ex Espanyol keeper Cavallero in the Celta goal stopped the home side from going further in front. The Argentine international stopped an Alex free kick and then blocked Palencia on the follow up, and then stood his ground as Tamudo broke free. Víctor Fernández's side recovered after the break, with Catanha seeing his shot saved by Argensó and Jesuli having a penalty appeal turned down. The manager had brought on Edu for Sergio to strengthen the attack, but that left gaps at the back and Tamudo took advantage to run on to a pass out of midfield and round Méndez before beating Cavallero with a low shot. The result takes the pressure off the much criticised Paco Flores, and virtually ensures Espanyol's presence in the top flight next season. It also does a big favour for their city neighbours Barcelona, who move up to fourth place above Celta on goal difference as a result.