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Match Report: RCD Espanyol get underway with a win
Los Pericos beat Levante UD 3-0 on Matchday 1
RCD Espanyol put in an impressive showing on LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 1, outgunning Levante UD at the RCDE Stadium. Roberto Fernández scored twice in the first half, with Tyrhys Dolan rounding off the scoring before the final whistle.
The enthusiasm in the stands was palpable, for a midsummer start to the top flight season. Coach Manolo González had underlined that preseason had ended days prior, and that business began on Matchday 1.
It didn't take long for the fans to enjoy Roberto's opener, as he pounced to score just 5 minutes into the contest. The lead brought composure to the team, and little by little, Espanyol took control of the game and repeatedly threatened Mathew Ryan in the Levante UD goal in the following attacks.
With five minutes to go before halftime, Roberto capitalised on a magnificent assist from Javi Hernández to get his second of the game, making it 2-0 and showing that the deliberate, yet purposeful, build-up had the potential to pay dividends.
The second half began in much the same way. Espanyol weren't under excessive pressure defensively, but they couldn't quite find their rhythm in the final third. The hydration break had a guiding effect on the home side, as a teamtalk enabled them to finetune things.
Dolan immediately understood what the coach was asking of him, showing composure and persistence. Rafa Bauza's assist for the English forward allowed him to seal the victory and secure the first three points of the season for Espanyol.