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1-1 draw with Albacete kicks off 2023/24 season

A late equaliser from the opposition denies RCD Espanyol the three points

RCD Espanyol opened the season with a 1-1 draw away to Albacete BP, in a game that saw Fernando Pacheco stop two penalties. Los Pericos controlled things for much of the contest, but conceded late on after a scramble in the area.

They wanted to take command from the get-go, whilst also attempting to nulify the speed and verticality of the opposition. Nico Melamed created his first chance by escaping from two Albacete defenders, hitting the ball against the crossbar. A minute later he repeated the move, but struck into the body of defender Djetei.

Pol Lozano also had an excellent shot that goalkeeper Bernabé cleared, as it seemed that the game was sufficiently under control.

However, a penalty conceded by Óscar Gil provided a scare. His blushes were saved when Pacheco kept the score goalless when he guessed the right way to deny Manu Fuster from 11 metres.

Espanyol kept trying to take advantage of their approaches on goal. Near the interval they got their reward. A cross from Óscar Gil was flicked on by Cabrera and Calero shot to make it 0-1.

Coach Luis García called for calm and serenity for the final stretch of the first half, which had another twist in the form of a second penalty to Albacete. Manu Fuster again stepped up, and Pacheco again stopped his spot kick.

The second half followed the same script, as Espanyol were almost untroubled throughout. That was until the final minutes, when Albacete went forward with more danger -resulting in Quiles equalising in the 93rd minute.