RCD Espanyol suffered their second consecutive LaLiga EA Sports defeat this Saturday, losing 2-1 at the Anoeta stadium against Real Sociedad. Coverage from Mundo Deportivo and La Vanguardia indicates the blanquiazul team showed defensive errors that were capitalized on by an inspired Mikel Oyarzabal.
How did the match in San Sebastián unfold?
Real Sociedad took an early lead. In the fourth minute, a mistake in Espanyol's build-up was exploited by Oyarzabal, who assisted Ander Barrenetxea for the 1-0. The Real captain was decisive again for the second goal, setting up Andri Óskarsson. Espanyol reacted with a spectacular volley from Roberto Fernández, but couldn't complete the comeback. Serbian goalkeeper Predrag Dmitrovic was key for the hosts, making several important saves, including a shot from Oyarzabal that hit the crossbar.
Manager Manolo González had warned before the match that Real Sociedad's table position was misleading. His words were confirmed on the pitch. The visiting team had 49% total possession and generated 11 goal attempts, but it wasn't enough against the vision of the world champion. The defeat leaves Espanyol with three points, placing them tenth in the standings with a record of one win and two losses.
What's happening with Rubén Sánchez's departure?
Espanyol's transfer activity remains active with two days left before the market closes. Mundo Deportivo reports the club has rejected a first offer from Elche for right-back Rubén Sánchez. The offer from the franjiverde club exceeded the 400,000 euros previously offered by PAOK Salonika, but falls short of the perico club's valuation, which is around one million euros.
Sporting director Monchi explained in Anoeta that "as of today, the best option that satisfies them and also us has not been found." Manolo González had already made it clear that not calling up the youth product was "a sporting, technical decision." Rubén Sánchez, 25 years old and under contract until 2027, was a starter in four of the last five matchdays of the previous season but is now seeking an exit.
Who were the new faces in the starting lineup?
Manolo González introduced an important novelty in defense for the match at Anoeta. Slovenian Vanja Drkušić, one of the six summer signings, made his starting debut in the center of defense, partnering with Unai Nuñez. This decision left Clemens Riedel, who had started the previous matchdays, on the bench. Meanwhile, winger Bryan Zaragoza, on loan from Bayern Munich, did not travel with the team as he continues an individual training plan.
Real Sociedad also debuted a new signing. French center-back Mamadou Sarr, 20 years old and the first summer signing for manager Pellegrino, was available for Matarazzo. Espanyol, who have scored five goals and conceded four this season, now face a week of preparation before their next fixture. Check the full schedule on our fixtures page.
What is Espanyol's next challenge?
After this defeat, RCD Espanyol's focus turns immediately to their next home game. The team will host Sevilla on September 6th at the RCDE Stadium. The Andalusian side arrives for the clash occupying fifth place in the table, posing a significant challenge for Manolo González's men. Espanyol, who are four points behind leaders Atlético Madrid, need to get back to winning ways to climb the standings. You can follow the team's progress in our stats section.
