Espanyol 1 - Real Sociedad 0

Espanyol: Gorka Iraizoz; Sergio Sánchez (Martín Posse 81'), Jarque, Lopo, Domi; Zabaleta, Edu Costa; Luis García, Fredson (Pandiani 52'), De la Peña (Corominas 40'); Tamudo. 4-2-3-1.
Real Sociedad: Alberto; López Rekarte, Brechet, Labaka, Garrido; Garitano, Viáfara; Xabi Prieto (Gabilondo 84'), Stevanovic (Uranga 66'), Mark González (Barkero 76'); Nihat. 4-2-3-1.

Team changes: Espanyol: Fredson, De la Peña for David García, Juanfran / Real: Labaka, Garitano, Stevanovic, Nihat for Ansotegui, Novo, Mikel Alonso, Skoubo.

Goals:
1-0. 91. Corominas. Picked up ball inside area and shot low past Alberto..

A last minute goal from Corominas saved Espanyol from almost certain relegation in the last match of the season. The Catalans were fighting with Alavés to avoid the last relegation place, and needed to beat Real Sociedad to be sure of staying up. But although they had nothing to play for themselves, the Basque side wanted to help out their neighbours, and they gave nothing away right up until the game went in to injury time.

Fifteen minutes earlier news had come in that Alavés were ahead, and for almost a quarter of an hour Espanyol were in the second division. But with desperation on the faces of the fans, a long punt from midfield bounced in to the area, and Brechet headed it back to Corominas under pressure from Pandiani. And the young winger held his cool long enough to control the ball and slide a shot wide of Alberto to send the supporters wild.

Up to that point it seemed that fate was against the Spanish cup winners. Tamudo had an early penalty appeal turned down and Jarque headed a corner powerfully against the crossbar, and then star midfielder De la Peña (who had passed a late fitness test to play) pulled up limping and had to be replaced by Corominas.

The new man hit the post again soon after the restart, and Luis García also had a shot bounce back off the foot of the upright. Gorka had to save from Nihat in a rare attack, and Tamudo curled another effort agonizingly wide.

But with the fans getting out the maps to find the location of Ejido and other exotic places, Corominas burst through to save the day. There were tears of joy all round, and after the match coach Miguel Angel Lotina announced that he was leaving the club this summer. His heart can't take too many days like this!