Spurs loan watch: Good night for Tottenham loanee's side

Alejo Veliz and his RCD Espanyol side made the long trip to face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday evening for their third La Liga game of the season.

Veliz started his third game in a row - having played 70 minutes and then 90 minutes against Real Valladolid and Real Sociedad respectively. 

The on-loan Spurs striker headed over when well-placed from an inswinging cross after 24 minutes. It was a rare foray forward for the visitors, who were doing a lot of suffering without the ball. 

Just after the half-hour mark, Veliz dummied the ball for strike partner Javi Puado, who also couldn’t convert from close range when well-placed to do so. 

In the first half Veliz had won 4/6 aerial duels, made one clearance, and completed 1/1 long balls.

51 minutes in, Veliz teed up teammate Alvaro Aguada, who curled wide from just outside the box after a quick counterattack.

Spurs loan watch: Good night for Tottenham loanee's side

Espanyol thought they went behind a few minutes later, but Atletico’s goal was ruled out after a long VAR check.

After 64 minutes, Veliz’s race was run and he was replaced by new signing Walid Cheddira.

Veliz finished his game with 5/7 aerial duels, three clearances, 1/1 long balls, and one shot off target. Considering the scraps he was feeding off, it was a respectable, battling performance. 

Whilst Veliz will want that anticipated first goal sooner rather than later, it is encouraging that he is getting so much game time first and foremost, and hopefully, the goals will follow as a reward for his hard work and battering ram performances so far.

Next up for Veliz and his RCD Espanyol counterparts is a home game against Rayo Vallecano this Saturday in the final league game before the international break. Kick-off is 18:15 BST, 13:15 ET. It will be live on Premier Sports.