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1-1 draw against CE Sabadell

The team play out a stalemate in preseason

RCD Espanyol played out a 1-1 draw away to CE Sabadell in their latest preseason friendly, as they continued preparations for the upcoming LaLiga season.

Los Pericos started well with a dangerous move by Antoniu Roca, who was very close to scoring, but Sabadell goalkeeper Cassaro prevented the goal from the Espanyol youth product.

CE Sabadell, coached by former RCD Espanyol player, David Català, proved to be a well organised team, intense in their pressing and with good attacking resources. Recently relegated to the Segunda RFEF, they are hoping for promotion in the 2024/25 campaign.

RCD Espanyol wanted to take control of the match, but encountered opposition that caused them quite a few difficulties in the construction of the play. Antoniu Roca was the most active attacker, whilst José Gragera had a clear chance to score off a set piece.
As CE Sabadell became more daring in attack, Fortuño was put to the test. The goalkeeper could do little to stop the home team from scoring the opening goal, as they went ahead thanks to a rebound off Calero's back after the ball had hit the crossbar.
Before the break, a long-range shot from Jofre, and a penalty appeal for the same player that was not called, were the closest opportunities to equalise.

With the entry of Javi Puado after the break, RCD Espanyol improved substantially. The number 7, who continues his return to full fitness after an injury, gave a lift to the attack. His first individual action ended with a strong shot that clanged off the post, and his second chance put him almost through on Cassaro. He also provided a slick setup for Roca, who put his effort off target.

Espanyol continued to push, and looked more solid after a series of substitutions. Álvaro Aguado tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the box and Álvaro Tejero and Carlos Romero gave the team more attacking presence, although without finding the formula to overcome the home side's defence.

It was not until the last minute of the match that Gastón Vallees scored the equaliser, after an error by the CE Sabadell goalkeeper. The Uruguayan took advantage of a loose ball in the six-yard box to score his first goal with the first team.

On Saturday, against Heidenheim, the team face their last test of the preseason.