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Match Report: 1-1 draw in preseason friendly against CE Sabadell
RCD Espanyol continue preparations for the 2026/27 season
RCD Espanyol played their latest preseason friendly against CE Sabadell on Saturday, in a game rescheduled for a morning kickoff. The contest ended 1-1, with Kike García getting the goal for Los Pericos in the second half.
The game began with a less flowing pace than in previous preseason action, and the effects of heat and fatigue accumulated during recent weeks was evident. Opponents Sabadell looked determined to put up a fight and leave a positive impression from the fixture.
With no clear-cut chances in the first 45 minutes, the most notable takeaway was the firm intent to find the necessary rhythm, albeit with hardly any forays into either penalty area. Attacks were reduced to long-range shots and little work for either goalkeeper.
A tricky cross from Omar El Hilali was tipped over the crossbar for a corner by Fuoli, and an attack from Sabadell saw a header from Pere Pons go wide.
After the break, Manolo González’s men stepped up a gear and began to offer more attacking options. The forwards started looking to get in behind the Sabadell centre backs, forcing Fuoli to rush out of his area on a pair of occasions to make decisive clearances.
González completely changed the lineup just past the hour mark. As always, he sought to inject freshness into his side and maintain attacking intensity. This led to a cross from Jofre Carreras which Pere Milla flicked on, his effort grazing the post.
After the hydration break, Sabadell scored. While attempting to clear the ball under pressure from Rodrigo, Rubén ended up slicing it into the back of Fortuño’s net.
Shortly after, parity was restored, when Hinojo spotted Kike García making a run and played a through ball to him. The forward calmly beat José Ortega to equalise.
García also had the energy, a minute later, to deliver a precise, purposeful ball to Pere Milla, who missed connecting with it by mere centimetres.
In the 90th minute, RCD Espanyol almost claimed the win, when Hinojo once again played a deep ball looking for Pere Milla. His header crashed against the crossbar, and the game concluded with a 1-1 scoreline.