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1-2: Victorious debut
Espanyol debuts in preseason with victory thanks to the goals of Melendo and Baptistao
After ten days of intense work came the long-awaited debut. Although it is early to draw conclusions and there are still many weeks left for the LaLiga to start, these games allow you to evaluate the new signings, see the model that Rubi wants to implement and start to get excited. The 2018-2019 project was set in motion with great enthusiasm.
The blue and white team was surprised in the early stages by an Olot goal. The locals took advantage of a loose ball in the area - before hitting the base of the left post- to get ahead on the scoreboard with a good goal by Aspar. Espanyol had barely had time to implement their game model and was forced to go up against a team of lower category, but very thrilled.
The reality is that the espanyolistas soon took over the game and changed the initial trend. Rubi’s boys had more ball possession as well as more presence in the rival's box. The position of the sides Didac and Pipa playing practically as ends was all a declaration of intentions. Precisely, the newly incorporated side of the branch had the first clear opportunity to achieve the draw. The eyes were focused on Borja Iglesias, the most important signing of the season. The Galician striker moved, fought and generated spaces in attack without the prize of the goal. Who did find it was Melendo, one of the most outstanding players in the first half. The '14’ beat his opponents to achieve the tie with a placed shot with the left leg. After the draw, the blue and white dominance was in crescendo with many approaches to the visiting area and some good opportunity to get ahead on the scoreboard.
As expected, Rubi totally changed the eleven at the start of the second half. Two minutes took Baptistao to achieve the second blue and white goal with an unstoppable header. With the score in favour, Espanyol was dedicated to preserve their advantage without losing sight of the opposite goal. Aarón, on the left, was one of the most incisive recovering his attacking version. Hernán Pérez, in his return after the transfer, was also very active and close to score in a couple of opportunities.
Espanyol finished their first preparation match with a victory and leaving some interesting details about the style that Rubi wants to implement.