RCD Espanyol needed a 76th-minute equalizer from Kike García to avoid defeat in their first pre-season match at Dani Jarque. The Pericos were held to a 1-1 draw by newly promoted Sabadell after a poor display that raised serious questions about Manolo González’s side.
What happened in the match?
Espanyol kicked off their third pre-season friendly with an uncomfortable result. After thrashing French side Pau and Olot in their first two games, the side arrived confident for the clash with Sabadell, yet the visitors dominated for the opening 70 minutes. The opener came in the 72nd minute when Rubén Sánchez turned the ball into his own net from a right-wing cross.
Pericos responded late. Kike García, one of the scorers in the previous friendlies, equalized in the 76th minute with a left-footed strike across the goalkeeper. Sabadell, newly promoted to Liga Hypermotion, pushed for a winner until stoppage time, when Pere Milla’s header rattled against the crossbar.
Why Espanyol’s performance is worrying
The match left more questions than answers. The team produced a poor first half without clear chances, and the second half offered little improvement. Manolo González set out a starting XI featuring Dmitrovic, Cabrera, Urko, Hartman, Omar, Edu Expósito, Moscardo, Cala, Dolan, Marcos Fernández and Roberto Fernández, yet the unit failed to click.
Substitutes Fortuño, Pere Milla and Jofre entered to spark a turnaround, but Espanyol still lacked control. Poor passing accuracy and a lack of goal threat were the main issues as the side failed to impose itself in a game they should have controlled.
What’s next for Espanyol?
Espanyol’s next test comes on English soil. The team will travel to Burnley for their fourth pre-season friendly, aiming to regain confidence after this stutter. Last season they finished 11th in La Liga with 46 points from 12 wins, 10 draws and 16 losses, scoring 43 goals and conceding 55. The new campaign begins with a clear need to sharpen performances in these friendlies.
