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2-0: Strategic goals

Fran Mérida, at the beginning, and Puado, before half-time, scored in the victory against CD Mirandés

Espanyol settled their tight spot against Mirandés with a practical victory thanks to a great goal from Fran Mérida, a few minutes into the game, and another from Javi Puado before the interval.  The team coached by Vicente Moreno controlled the game without too much trouble, and added three very important points that allow them to hold onto their leading rank.

The game started very well for the team led by Vicente Moreno. Fran Mérida, taking advantage of a moment of indecision from the visiting defender, advanced a few metres and, with his left foot, got past Raúl Lizoain with a huge goal. After the defeat against Rayo Vallecano, it was important for the team to clear up any doubts, and they did it quickly thanks to the goal from number 8. However, the team had a hard time finding their rhythm. The Mirandés game did not help the locals either, who did not find much continuity in their game. David López brought out the big guns to support Espanyol and was the blue and whites' best player for much of the first half.

Except for a couple of specific moves, Vicente Moreno's men did not create many offensive actions, although they did not see their advantage jeopardised at any point either. With a bit more clarity and continuity, Espanyol could have taken one more step towards victory. Fortunately, before the break, another brilliant move from Embarba allowed Espanyol to score their second goal. Puado, waiting for the rebound, shot at Liozoain without restrictions.

Vicente Moreno did not want to wait long to move the bench and soon played Jofre and Lluís López, who was able to play his first official minutes. Jofre did not take long to show up and had two great opportunities to score the third goal, but the homegrown player was not successful either time. It seemed that Espanyol was taking a step forward, but not with too much conviction. The third could have come later in a great individual play by RDT, but the Madrilenian striker was offside. Three more points for Espanyol, which remains at the top of the table.