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3-0 loss to Utrecht in final preseason friendly
A solid showing is not enough to best the Dutch side
Espanyol fell to defeat at the hands of Utrecht in their last preseason friendly, as they found themselves behind early on and eventually lost 3-0.
The Dutch team, which finished midtable in the Eredivisie last season, debuted a new pitch and held the official presentation of their team for the 2023/24 season. For Luis García's men, it was an important match that should serve as a point of reference for their league opener against Albacete.
Los Pericos received the first blow early on, just two minutes after kickoff. Utrecht took advantage of a good attacking move to take the lead thanks to a goal from Douvikas.
Espanyol tried to recover, and Braithwaite tried with a timid header that went wide. The Danish striker, who started in the centre of the forward line, had another header shortly after.
Goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco did well to save from Booth on a one-on-one from a Utrecht counter, as the game opened up.
A pot-shot from Nico and a high strike from Lazo just a few metre from goal came close, before another setback hindered Los Pericos. A dubious penalty was given for a supposed handball by Calero, and Douvikas sent Pacheco the wrong way to make it 2-0.
With a clear disadvantage on the scoresheet, Espanyol looked for a way to get back into the game. Pol Lozano applied intensity in midfield and the team began to have possession, although without the desired dynamism.
Once again, against the run of play, Utrecht struck to score their third goal through Labyad. Braithwaite then hit the bar and shot wide from successive chances, as Espanyol suffered defeat in the Netherlands.