RCD Espanyol celebrated their 120th anniversary with a 2-0 win at home to Ponferradina in Week 9 of La Liga Smartbank.
Raul de Tomas's fourth goal of the season, and Adri Embarba's powerful second half strike, earned Los Pericos a sixth win since suffering relegation to the Second Division.
Ponfe's second half performance was good, and they were unlucky not to deny Espanyol an eighth clean sheet from nine matches.
Espanyol boss Vicente Moreno made five changes from to the XI that began at Tenerife on Sunday, resting Fran Merida, Didac Vila and Javi Puado. Right back Miguelon returned to the team and played excellently, contributing to both goals.
Espanyol dominated the opening exchanges and went close to opening the scoring on 15 minutes when David Lopez almost converted Embarba's excellent free kick.
The hosts did go in front on 24 minutes with a beautifully constructed goal. De Tomas's wonderful cross field pass started the move and it was the former Rayo Vallecano striker who finished it, side-footing Sergi Darder's delicate cross beyond Jose Antonio Caro.
Jon Perez Bolo's XI contained five changes from the team that lost narrowly at Sporting at the weekend, with Jose Antonio Rios Reina, top scorer Pablo Valcarce and Juergen Elitim rested.
After an underwhelming first half Bolo introduced Valcarce at the break, withdrawing Gaspar Panadero who had limited impact making his second start of the season.
Within four minutes of the re-start Ponfe conceded when Miguelon's cross rebounded to Embarba, who lashed in his second goal of the season.
Two goals down, Ponfe reacted well and grew impressively. They looked far more effective with Valcarce on the right and Carlos Doncel on the left. Midfielder Curro Sanchez became more involved in the game and the visitors assembled some excellent moves, often culminating in shots which Espanyol blocked bravely. Paris Adot was strong at right back, and left back Rios Reina played well once he came on in the 54th minute.
Espanyol defended resiliently and hung on for a third consecutive clean sheet. At the other end they didn't create many chances in the second period although substitutes Keidi Bare and Pol Lozano both came close to extending the lead.
Espanyol move four points clear of second placed Sporting, who play tomorrow. Next up for Moreno's side: Malaga away on Monday night.
Although Ponfe lost for the second match running, there was much to admire in their play, including the performances of 22 year old centre backs Jose Maria Amo and Manu Hernando. Ponfe host bottom club Sabadell on Sunday.
Images from Info Bierzo and El Mundo Deportivo
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