Alaves 0 - 1 Espanyol: Gerard Moreno header secures win for Espanyol at Alaves

Espanyol extended their unbeaten run to six matches after they snatched a 1-0 victory in a fiery game with Alaves.

Seven yellow cards were shown in a cagey LaLiga clash which looked to be heading for a draw after Fernando Pacheco saved a late penalty from Gerard Moreno.

But the striker redeemed himself by heading home the only goal nine minutes from time to steal all three points for Quique Sanchez Flores' side.

Espanyol controlled much of the opening quarter and almost took the lead midway through the first half through Victor Camarasa.

The hosts were having joy down the right channel and two minutes later right-back Kiko Femenia reached the byline to cross for Deyverson, who headed straight into the arms of Lopez.

Jose Antonio Reyes came within inches of giving Espanyol the lead on 27 minutes with a 20-yard free-kick which crashed off the bar but the two sides went into the break level.

Deyverson did find the back of the net on 69 minutes with a well-placed left-footed effort but was correctly flagged offside to deny him his fifth goal of the season.

The visitors were awarded a penalty after Alexis Ruano handled in the area but Moreno saw his spot-kick well saved by Pacheco to keep the match scoreless.

But the Espanyol striker broke Alaves hearts with a bullet header from Pablo Piatti's corner to put the Blanquiazules in front and despite late efforts from Zouhair Feddal and Christian Santos, the hosts could not get the equaliser.