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1-0: Espanyol B snatch late win
Youngsters open season with a win
RCD Espanyol B beat UE Olot 1-0 with a late winner on Saturday.
Espanyol B kicked off the Segunda RFEF season at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque, looking to open the new campaign with a result over their Catalan rivals.
Raúl Dacosta came close in the early stages with a well-executed half volley, but goalkeeper Albert Batalla made a solid save down in the bottom corner.
Olot would threaten the hosts with multiple attacks only to repeatedly find themselves offside. Nabil then had a glaring chance for Espanyol when he burst through on goal, dispossessed by the defender at the last moment.
A largely uneventful first half was followed by plenty of chances for Olot. David Bigas could not get the better of the defence and hit his shot over under pressure, before Eloi Amagat sent a free kick just shy of the top corner.
Both Albert Batalla and Iker Venteo made great saves to keep it goalless, while Kenneth Solder came agonisingly close after a lung-bursting run on the break.
Espanyol had a huge double chance late on which came to no avail, but it would not matter in the end. In the 87th minute, Juan Camillo Becerra struck a powerful header into the top corner, too much for Batalla and a worthy winner to start the season.
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Match information
Espanyol B: I. Venteo, Gorjón, A. Pérez, Recasens (Joan Puig 75’), A. Roca, Becerra, Nabil (O. Romero 86’), Dacosta (Abde 63’), Kenneth (Lancho 75’), Roger Martínez, Carvalho (Mangada 63’).
UE Olot: A. Batalla, Carles Mas, Ayala, Eloi Amagat (Ferran 89’), È. Callís, G. Pereira, Urri, Xumetra (Forgas 61’), M. Busquets, Bigas (Josep C. 89’), Terma (Ot Serrano 69’).
Referee: Manuel Martínez Campillos