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0-1: Statement win

RCD Espanyol beat Real Zaragoza in Manolo González's debut as men's first team coach

RCD Espanyol earned a vital 1-0 win away to Real Zaragoza on Sunday.

Manolo González took charge of his first game as head coach at La Romareda in a must-win game for Espanyol. They went straight for it and with seven minutes played, Brian Oliván whipped it in to Javi Puado who poked it home for a stunning opener against the side he spent a season on loan at.

Espanyol were dominating and in charge of affairs, though would be forced into an early change as Rubén Sánchez had to come off injured. Martin Braithwaite had a few chances to extend their advantage, the best being a header saved by Edgar Badia, as the visitors went into the break with the lead.

Into the second half and a second forced substitution, this time Braithwaite who was injured towards the end of the first half, was replaced by Pere Milla. The chances for either side were limited, but that did not mean the intensity dropped with both teams chasing the next goal.

González had to use his remaining substitutions wisely, with more players struggling with injury and fatigue and Zaragoza pushing. But the Mágico stood strong and fought hard until the end to secure the three points, a first win for González and a huge boost for Espanyol in the fight for promotion to the top flight.