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0-1: Lesson of effectiveness
RCD Espanyol plans a serious game to conquer Goodison Park
RCD Espanyol came to Liverpool after being unbeaten throughout the preseason and having a draw at St Mary's Stadium against Southampton. This time, the parakeets face Everton FC of Ronald Koeman, one of the most traditional teams in the Premier League.
Quique Sanchez Flores’ team started with a very strong pace and, indeed, after a great combination, Gana committed a penalty on Rubén Duarte. Leo Baptistao was responsible to kick. Calmly, the Brazilian footballer sent the ball to the left of Stekelenburg. 0-1 for parakeets.
Everton tried to respond to the Espanyol goal, Lukaku sent a strong strike on Roberto’s goal but the goalkeeper deflected to corner with a great dive. The first part was vibrant with opportunities for both teams. Espanyol held firm and created danger with quick counterattacks leaded by Gerard Moreno and Leo Baptistao, assited by Piatti and Hernán in the wings. Before the break, the referee Mickael Oliver blew the whistle declaring a penalty in favour of Everton. Ruben Duarte made fault on Deulofeu. Barkley shot but Roberto flew to avoid the Everton goal. It was the best save of the game.
In the second half, the match had less pace but Espanyol continued dominating. Ronald Koeman's team tried to equalize but Quique Sanchez Flores’ lads were very good defensively. 0-1, victory to conquer Goodison Park.
Full-time stats:
Everton FC: Stekelenburg, Funes Mori (Jaglielka, 45'), Coleman, Stones (Holgate, 63'), Baines, Barry (McCarthy, 63 '), Ghana (Davies, 71’), Mirallas, Barkley, Deulofeu (Lennon, 63 ') and Lukaku (Koné, 63')
RCD Espanyol: Roberto, Javi Lopez, Alvaro, Oscar Duarte, Rubén Duarte, Diop (Marc Roca, 75'), Victor Sanchez, Hernán (Reyes, 59'), Piatti (Aaron, 74'), Gerard and Leo Baptistao (Caicedo , 62 ')
Goals: 0-1 (Leo Baptisato (p.), 5 )
Referee: Mickael Oliver
Incidents: 12.080 spectators at Goodison Park