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3-1: Hard-earned victory

RCD Espanyol B overcome Lleida Esportiu at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque

RCD Espanyol earned a decisive 3-1 win at home to Lleida Esportiu on Sunday.

The young pericos played the game perfectly from the start; Kenneth and Javi Hernández linked up nicely to beat Iñaki Álvarez with a subtle touch and strike first. Shortly after, the same linkup got the second goal for Espanyol in a great counter-attack led by Hernández, who squared it to Kenneth to extend the lead.

The third goal could have come in a very similar manner, Javi was knocked down by a defender when goalbound and no foul was called. Espanyol presented a wide range of opportunities to extend their lead and headed into the break with a two-goal cushion.

Into the second half and the young pericos persisted with their attacking chances, but Lleida were now posing more of a threat to their backline. Iker Venteo made some good saves to keep them out, but the goal did come in the end as the visitors pulled one back after the hour mark to half the deficit.

Manolo González refreshed the team with some options off the bench, and the changes contributed a lot. Kenneth once again was important and led the team forward, and with a few minutes left of normal time, substitute Bashiru Mohammed achieved the third and final goal to wrap up a solid three points for Espanyol B.