RCD Espanyol manager Manolo González fielded a surprising starting eleven for the LaLiga EA Sports match against Sevilla on Sunday at RCDE Stadium. The blanquiazul team aimed to break a two-game losing streak against Real Madrid and Real Sociedad with several changes to their initial lineup, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

The perico club currently sits fourteenth in the La Liga standings with 3 points from three matches, recording one win and two losses. Their recent form is LLW and they maintain a positive goal difference of +1, having scored 5 and conceded 4. Manolo González's side trails league leaders Barcelona by six points ahead of this clash.

What changes did Espanyol's lineup feature?

Manolo González introduced two significant modifications to his starting team. The first was the inclusion of Moscardo in midfield instead of Urko. The second change, and perhaps the most anticipated, was the return of Leandro Cabrera to central defense after serving a three-match suspension that began in March. The Uruguayan partnered with Unai Núñez in the defensive axis.

The complete lineup presented by Espanyol was: Dmitrovic; Omar, Unai Núñez, Cabrera, Hinojo; Moscardo, Edu Expósito; Calatrava, Javi Hernández, Dolan; Roberto. This formation sought greater defensive solidity after conceding goals in their last two matches. The team also faces the absence of Andoni Gorosabel, who is currently injured.

What role did Bryan Zaragoza play in the match?

Bryan Zaragoza, the main summer signing for RCD Espanyol, awaited his opportunity from the bench. Anna Cordovilla noted in her report that "Bryan Zaragoza, the star signing of the summer, could play his first minutes with the blanquiazul." His potential debut generated expectation among the perica fans, eager to see the winger acquired during the summer transfer window in action.

The architect of this renewed squad is Monchi, the sporting director facing his first official match against Sevilla since taking his position at the Barcelona-based club. His team-building work was being tested against one of his former clubs.

How did Sevilla line up at RCDE Stadium?

The visiting team, managed from the bench, lined up with Odysseas in goal. The Sevilla defense consisted of Iglesias, Sangante, Kike Salas and Suazo. In midfield were Kochorashvili, Agoumé and Guridi, while the attacking trident featured M. Sierra, Ejuke and Robbie Ure.

The match, scheduled for 21:00 on Sunday in Cornellà-El Prat, represented an important challenge for both teams. Anna Cordovilla highlighted that "Espanyol hosts Sevilla this Sunday at RCDE Stadium (21:00) with the aim of winning again." The three points were vital for the home team to move away from lower positions in the table.

What comes next for RCD Espanyol?

After the match against Sevilla, Espanyol's schedule offers no respite. The next official commitment will be on September 12, 2026 against Osasuna at El Sadar. The Navarrese team currently occupies sixth position in the standings, representing another challenging away fixture.

Complete season data is available on our stats page, where the team's evolution can be followed. Espanyol will seek points away from home before the next international break, in a calendar that includes several consecutive away matches. The full squad and their numbers can be checked in the squad section of our website. The team travels to Pamplona with Gorosabel's absence confirmed and hope that Cabrera has recovered his best form after the suspension.