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0-1 win against VfL Wolfsburg in Germany
RCD Espanyol triumph against Bundesliga opposition
RCD Espanyol began their stay in Germany with a 0-1 win in a friendly against VfL Wolfsburg. Roberto Fernández scored the only goal of the game.
The first half saw Los Pericos pressing high, overwhelming Wolfsburg and causing them many problems bringing the ball out. They gained confidence with the success of this pressure, and were able to win seven corners in the first 45 minutes.
This strategy brought the best chances in the first period. Miguel Rubio burst into the home team's penalty area and had a chance to score with a header that Kamil cleared, although the referee eventually whistled for offside.
The goalkeeper was Wolfsburg's standout performer, going on to prevent Pere Milla from scoring from long range. Roberto, as feisty as ever, had a chance of his own to score from Ramon Terrats' right-footed cross-shot, but could not convert.
The RCD Espanyol defence held the hosts back well. Wolfsburg's main offensive force was the spirited Amoura, who tried to catch Dmitrović out on a couple of occasions, although the Serbian goalkeeper had no problem whatsoever in dealing with the threat.
Manolo González stuck with his starting lineup in the second half, while Wolfsburg made a complete overhaul of their XI. Espanyol started off a little more timidly after the break, although they continued to make it difficult for the home side to bring possession upfield.
Rubén Sánchez was more prominent in attack for Los Pericos and created a couple of dangerous chances. Rubio continued to provide a threat from corners, although the centre-back was unable to connect with a header when in a good position several times.
Finally, the reward came. Pol Lozano recovered the ball, and although his shot didn't end in a goal, Roberto was quick to meet the rebound. His strike hit a defender's arm, and a penalty was awarded -subsequently dispatched by the forward.
After the goal, Espanyol began a flurry of substitutions, all the while remaining very solid in defence and clear in their attacking strategy. Wolfsburg only came close through a move that Wimmer finished poorly, and Los Pericos took victory with a great performance in their first test of the week in Germany.