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Match Report: Espanyol impress with 0-2 road win
Los Pericos take their first away triumph with victory over Real Oviedo
RCD Espanyol returned from the international break with an important win on the road against Real Oviedo, with goals from Kike Garcia and Pere Milla ensuring they brought the three points back to Barcelona.
Los Pericos got off to an electrifying start. Their intense pressing generated nervousness and forced mistakes from Oviedo, who were undertaking their first game under new coach Luis Carrión. Kike García and Rubén Sánchez were the main additions to the starting lineup for RCD Espanyol, but whilst the team had the ball, they lacked chances early on.
Oviedo settled in, and had the first big opportunity of the match, forcing Marko Dmitrović to save.
Espanyol continued to trouble the opposition in their buildup, but failed to produce much in attack. They looked their best when Edu Expósito was able to control the team in midfield, and a first notable chance for the visitors came from him, but the home goalkeeper, Aarón Escandell, scrambled the effort away.
Kike García shot towards the far post, but the keeper made another save, before a pair of stops from a Roberto Fernández attempt from a narrow angle and a free kick from Pere Milla. The home side, bar a counterattack dealt withby Dmitrović, barely threatened in their forays into the Espanyol area.
The second half began with a scare for Espanyol, with a shot from Reina hitting the post. They recovered quickly, and their response was resounding: A double chance for Kike García, who again found himself denied by an inspired Escandell.
A potential penalty on Roberto was not given, but Manolo González's team continued to display positive momentum, as well as pausing play when necessary and finding the best way to attack their opponents.
Pere Milla again had a magnificent opportunity after a cross from Tyrhys Dolan, but his shot went over. Despite a few scares, Espanyol felt comfortable, and finally, their reward came. It all started with a precise pass from Edu Expósito to Romero, and Kike García provided the finish.
The goal didn't change the team's attitude, solidity and personality. In the final stretch of the match, Omar El Hilali conjured up a great move down the right and delivered a precise cross that Pere Milla sent into the net. His fourth goal in the league this season ensured a first away win for Espanyol, who continue to grow.