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Match Report: 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough FC

Marcos Fernández, Tyrhys Dolan and Javi Hernández all score for RCD Espanyol

A high scoring draw for RCD Espanyol against Middlesbrough FC continued the team's preseason agenda, as Manolo González' men worked on getting ready for the upcoming LaLiga campaign.

Marcos Fernández, Tyrhys Dolan and Javi Hernández all found the net for RCD Espanyol, playing away from home at the Riverside Stadium.

The team trailed 1-0 from the 7th minute, when Leo Castledine exploited a gap in the defence to fire a shot past Marko Dmitrovic and inside the left post.

A further setback was experienced on 16 minutes, when Kike García was taken off due to discomfort. He had experienced an affectionate welcome from the home fans, and remains a cult hero at Middlesbrough having spent two seasons there a decade ago.

With Kike replaced by Bauza, González reshuffled his formation and RCD Espanyol began to threaten more frequently. It paid off when Omar El Hilali battled for a loose ball and, while on the ground, set up Dolan; he in turn laid a pass off to Marcos Fernández to unleash a spectacular strike from distance into the back of the net.

Los Pericos enjoyed ten minutes of total control before Middlesbrough committed more men into the attack, resulting in Whittaker scoring to make it 2-1.

The game remained wide open, and Dolan restored parity again five minutes before halftime, after receiving a through-ball from Marcos Fernández. The English forward finished confidently in a one-on-one against goalkeeper Brynn.

After the break, the game remained fast-paced, lively, and intense. This was evident in the first attack, as a well-constructed move was capped by a goal from Javi Hernández in the 46th minute.

Six minutes later, Middlesbrough scored off a Castledine header following a corner.

The game remained high-tempo and intense, but aside from a few isolated moments, there were no further clear opportunities and it ended 3-3. RCD Espanyol return from England with two draws against two teams with very different styles, yet both defined by speed and intensity.