IN SPORT.ES
A late goal from Tony Sanabria gives Real Betis a slender advantage over Espanyol going into next week's Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg in Seville.
Borja Iglesias' first half goal looked to be enough for Espanyol to travel to the Benito Villamarin next week with a narrow one-goal lead -- and, more importantly, without conceding an away goal.
'The Panda,' as he's nicknamed, open the scoring after good work from Hermoso, Baptistao and Darder, with the latter delivering the ball into the area. Piatti's control was off but Borja arrived to open the scoring.
Espanyol deserved to go in front but Betis improved after the break. Sanabria had two chances, the first saved by Roberto and the second ruled out by VAR.
But the Paraguayan, a former La Masia player, didn't give up. William Carvalho led a counter-attack and Sergio Leon set up Sanabria, who fired hom under pressure from Didac.
The goal could prove key for Quique Setien's side in the second leg next week. It's all or nothing for Espanyol in Seville as they dream of a Copa semifinal spot.