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RCD Espanyol suffer first preseason defeat

The team lose 0-1 to Balompédica Linense

RCD Espanyol fell to a first defeat of the preseason in a friendly encounter with Balompédica Linense on Thursday night, conceding a late goal. The game took place amidst extraordinary heat in Marbella, and the fatigue accumulated in the almost two weeks of training camp was also notable.

Los Pericos wanted to set a high pace from the start, against opponents who held back and prevented Diego Martínez's men from clear runs through the defence. A shot from outside the area by Pol Lozano and an effort by Joselu that went wide were the best attempts from RCD Espanyol in the first 45 minutes.

After the break, the team were more incisive in attack, but were unable to put any of their opportunities into the net. Linense went ahead with a goal from Gerard Oliva in the 89th minute and, whilst RCD Espanyol searched for an equaliser, even a late backheel from Jofre in the dying moments ended up crashing into the crossbar.