Betis defeats Espanyol in Cornellà with key save from Pau López
Real Betis ended Espanyol's unbeaten run in Cornellà with a hard-fought win, thanks to a penalty save by Pau López in the 100th minute. Cucho Hernández equalized with a header, his fourth straight goal in LaLiga. The victory positions Betis in the top four of the table.
In a relentless match at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà, Real Betis, coached by Manuel Pellegrini, beat RCD Espanyol of Manolo González and climbed into Champions League spots in LaLiga EA Sports. The game, on October 5, 2025, saw Espanyol take the lead with a goal from Pol Lozano, marking a 'beautiful day' for the homegrown blue-and-white player.
Betis, lacking initial rhythm in ball circulation due to Espanyol's intensity, focused on speed. Abde and Antony started subdued, but Pellegrini's versatile side paid off. Before halftime, Puado nearly made it 2-0, but Espanyol's defense lapsed, allowing Cucho Hernández to equalize with a header, his fourth consecutive LaLiga goal.
Energized by their Europa League campaign and Champions ambitions, Betis showed strong interplay between Fornals and Abde. In the 100th minute, with time nearly up, Pau López, a former Espanyol youth product, saved a penalty from Puado in a clash of academy alumni. The goalkeeper celebrated by cupping his hands to his ears, silencing the home crowd.
This marked Betis's first away win outside Seville this season, also ending Espanyol's home unbeaten streak. The green-and-whites adapted by playing fast against a tough, style-reinforced opponent.