With just forty seconds remaining, Luka Sucic's ball slid across the pitch after a turnover in possession on the left flank, finding Sheraldo Becker, who celebrated his 30th birthday with a spectacular rocket into the bottom-left corner of Joan Garcia's net, giving La Real the ideal start to snap a dreary run of recent form.

Throughout the first half, the home team appeared to be the stronger of the two teams by a significant margin. Sucic had a chance to score on 18', but his low drive to the left post was saved. With no shots, 27% possession, and seven fouls to show for their efforts up until halftime, Espanyol provided almost nothing in return, making it clear that something dramatic would be needed to prevent a sixth consecutive head-to-head away loss.