RCD Espanyol's preparations for the league's return included a defeat in a closed-door friendly. The Periquitos fell 0-1 to Premier League side Ipswich Town in a match held at the RCDE Stadium this Friday.
The game's only goal came early from midfielder Zian Flemming. Coach Manolo González used the fixture to test tactical variations and build fitness for a squad on a two-game losing streak in La Liga, sitting 15th with seven points, just two points and 90 minutes of play above the relegation zone. The team is searching for form ahead of what the manager has termed the 'five finals' before the November break, a period where the objective is to add points to reach the 22-point target set as the safety mark.
Debut and absences
The match featured a special debutant: Andoni Gorosabel. The new right-back played his first minutes for Espanyol, between fifteen and twenty-five, to integrate with the squad. The team had several notable absences. Javi Puado, recovering from a knee injury, did not feature. Roberto Fernández and Vanja Drkusic were away on international duty, while Jofre and Kike García were injured. Javi Hernández returned from the U21s with discomfort.
González shared minutes across the squad. Fortuño started in goal. The midfield trio consisted of Pol Lozano, Rafa Bauza and Edu Expósito, with Bryan Zaragoza, Dolan and Marcos Fernández leading the attack. Youth team player Timera also got minutes. The coach stated after the match that "things should be changed (pieces or game plan) for the resumption of the championship," referring to the need to react after the 1-3 loss to Elche.
The target is now clear: next Friday, October 9th, at 21:00, Espanyol visit La Rosaleda to face bottom-placed Málaga. A win is vital to move away from the relegation zone and add points for a more comfortable league position. The team can check the full schedule for this final stretch on our fixtures page.
The original report is at Mundo Deportivo
