RCD Espanyol closed their third preseason friendly with a win and a high level of intensity. The blanquiazules beat CE Sabadell 2-0 in a 10:30 a.m. clash at the Dani Jarque Sports City, stepping up their preparations under Manolo González ahead of the La Liga kick-off.
What happened in the Sabadell friendly?
Espanyol secured their third straight preseason win after edging CE Sabadell 2-0 in a tightly contested morning fixture. The LaLiga Hypermotion side arrived with new boss Gonzalo Ávila 'Pipa' on the bench, but couldn’t match the pace set by González’s men.
Urko González de Zárate, shifted from midfield to centre-back for the game, stood out. The Basque, who has already played in defence this preseason, stressed his willingness to adapt: «I’m a midfielder, but wherever the gaffer needs me, wherever I can help the team, I’m happy to do it». With no first-choice centre-back yet arrived, the tactical switch was necessary - something the side has drilled in recent training sessions.
Why this friendly matters for RCD Espanyol
The clash served as a technical test before the squad jets off to England for further preseason games. The win, their third in a row after beating Olot (0-3) and Pau (4-0), boosts confidence at a club that closed the 2025 campaign 11th in La Liga with 46 points - 12 wins, 10 draws and 16 losses - averaging 43 goals scored and 55 conceded (-12 goal difference).
«The first weeks of training have been tough because of the workload,» Urko admitted, adding «the new signings are eager to help». The side, which closed last season on a two-win, two-draw, two-loss run (DWWLL), is now sharpening its game ahead of the August 15 opener against Villarreal.
Urko González de Zárate: shifting from midfield to defence with ease
The former Real Sociedad man has been one of the standout performers in preseason. After slotting in at centre-back, he made it clear his priority is the team: «Wherever the gaffer needs me, that’s where I’ll be». His versatility adds depth, especially with no first-choice centre-back yet on board.
«We’re feeling better little by little and really looking forward to La Liga,» Urko said, also praising the new arrivals. The midfielder, who posted strong numbers last term, looks set to be a key piece in a side targeting an improved 2025-26 return: 43 goals scored and 55 conceded, with a 12-win, 10-draw, 16-loss record.
