Espanyol Coach Javier Aguirre believes the Copa del Rey tie with Real Madrid is still alive.
Madrid took the first leg by a single Karim Benzema goal, with Iker Casillas keeping out a Jhon Cordoba attempt with a save that Aguirre praised heavily.
Aguirre said prior to the game that if Espanyol kept Madrid to a narrow lead then the game was still in the balance going to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking to reports after the match, Aguirre echoed those sentiments.
“This game will be defined at the Bernabeu,” Aguirre said.
“Casillas is a great goalkeeper.
“He stands up to Cordoba, who has power and speed. It was like the save he made against Arjen Robben in the World Cup final.”
Aguirre was also fulsome in his praise for the Espanyol players, feeling they acquitted themselves well against the title-chasing visitors.
“There is no doubt my team did well, although we’re not happy we lost.
“We do well when we play with humility and hard work.
“We used the same players here as in the League and I don’t see it changing [against Valencia].
“We want to have a competitive team, although it’s not easy.”
