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RCD Espanyol impress at the Ciutat de Valencià
Puado and Melamed score braces in a 1-4 win over Levante UD
RCD Espanyol made a statement at the Ciutat de Valencià to kick off Matchday 5, beating last season's playoff finalists Levante UD 1-4 away from home.
Espanyol came out of the blocks well with a very clear scoring opportunity for Javi Puado, but the captain could not find a finish from close range.
Nico Melamed took the game into his own hands in the first half, and opened the scoring after collecting a loose ball in the area and sending it into the net.
The number 21 could easily have reached the halftime break with a hat-trick. Levante goalkeeper Femenías was the only thing standing in the way, saving after an impressive solo move by Melamed and providing a miraculous intervention moments later.
On top of play, Los Pericos interpreted the game well and found space against opponents who found themselves overwhelmed. Pere Milla added to the chances with a long shot, as did Edu Expósito, as the siege continued.
However, just when the game settled down, Levante managed to equalise from a rare look on goal. Andrés García got past Ramon and Bouldini scored with his chest, making it 1-1.
Returning to their pressing play right away, RCD Espanyol got their second goal when Jofre flicked on to Puado, who acrobatically converted to take the score to 1-2 before halftime.
Despite the advantage, Espanyol did not want to take risks in the second half and continued to focus on keeping the ball and creating dangerous opportunities. Salvi, who came on in place of Jofre, had the first such chance after the break from a good cross from Ramon.
Melamed, who had been sublime in the first half, practically killed the game off by scoring another beautifully crafted goal, and from there Espanyol began to loosen up, performing the best they have this season so far.
Fernando Calero prevented a second Levante goal with an excellent tackle. Not so well-timed was a challenge by Rúben Vezo, who was sent off for the hosts before the end.
Puado rounded off the scoring with the fourth and final strike of the night, adding another 3 points to RCD Espanyol's tally for the season.