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Match Report: 1-4 win in first preseason friendly

RCD Espanyol make a strong start to the summer against CF Peralada

RCD Espanyol claimed a comfortable victory in their first friendly of the preseason, beating CF Peralada 1-4 and giving all of their new signings unofficial debuts. Kike García's first game was particularly noteworthy, as he scored a hat trick in the second half.

After almost two weeks of rigorous preseason training, and many changes from last season's squad, Manolo González's side kicked their summer schedule off against CF Peralada, a side from Tercera RFEF. They did so with great enthusiasm and the aim of beginning to put the concepts they had worked on over the last few days into action.

González divided the team into two XIs, so that most players would get their chance to play. RCD Espanyol started very well, dominating their opponents. As had been the case in training, there was a great deal of intensity, pace, and desire from the players.

Salinas, one of the debutants, was very active in the opening minutes, making a pair of dangerous runs down his wing. Marcos Fernández had a clear penalty that was ignored by the referee.

Javi Puado, off a brilliant assist from Pere Milla, scored the first goal of the game. Milla himself had a clear opportunity to extend the lead afterwards, but his header went wide.

Jofre Carreras, with a superb left-footed shot from outside the box, continued the spate of chances.

The home side came alive in the closing minutes of the first half, and goalkeeper Pol Tristán had to intervene after a shot from Daniel Gómez. Before the break, and after a possible foul on Pablo Ramón, CF Peralada equalised through Carles Gallardo.

RCD Espanyol kicked off the second half with a completely different lineup, except for Pol Tristán. Los Pericos regained their initial energy with the substitutions.

Carlos Romero, largely freed from defensive duties, was fouled in the box and a blatant penalty was awarded. Kike García took responsibility for the spot kick to score.

The forward had another clear opportunity a few minutes later, benefitting from a great assist from Rubén Sánchez. The new striker, in one of his typical moves, extended the lead with a fine left-footed shot. He then completed his magnificent first afternoon with RCD Espanyol with a hat trick.

A positive first preseason friendly ended in a useful win for the team.