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Friendly with Toulouse ends goalless

RCD Espanyol are held to a stalemate in a preseason encounter

RCD Espanyol drew 0-0 with Toulouse FC in an intense friendly that served as ideal preparation for the upcoming campaign. Los Pericos had good opportunities to take the lead in the first half, while in the second it was the French outfit who had more involvement.

Espanyol made a promising start to the match with a good run down the left wing from Jofre and a shot that, after a rebound, almost crept into the net.

Toulouse FC, who had beaten Champions League side Girona FC in their previous friendly, improved as the minutes went by and made the contest much more evenly matched.

With both teams well organised, the only goalscoring opportunities arrived through individual talent and the ingenuity of the players. Jofre was the player who was most persistent, with a couple of shots off target and always going forward when he received the ball. Sadik would also battle with defenders at the spearhead of the attack. El Hiliali, after a good solo move, put ex-Espanyol player Álex Domínguez to the test, and before reaching the break it was Pere Milla who also came close.

RCD Espanyol's preseason improvements have them well set up, solid in defence and with an interesting ability to read games. Manolo González's team have just been lacking attacking output over the summer.

The second half began with changes made by both teams, albeit maintaining formations and strategies. It made the game a cagey affair, and the highlight before the end was a good save from Ángel Fortuño, who had been solid throughout. The contest ended in a 0-0 draw.