His heart beats stronger than ever. Through its veins, the blue and white blood exudes an evocative optimism. He seemed sunken, almost dead. But not. This Espanyol, that of Manolo González, always comes back. He’s still alive. Against all odds. In Beijing and Pokon. It was against Celta, on the most panicky day of the season, when this Espanyol recovered all its virtues. Suddenly, there was no one who could score a goal against him and he was able to produce endless chances. With one to go, two forwards scored, Cardona and Cheddira, something almost illogical in Cornellà. And even Cabrea put on the mantle of hero, with an assist and a bit with a great emotional component. Espanyol will not get out of relegation this day, but it has found a path to follow.
Manolo González sought to simplify his proposal with a trivote in the middle and shook up the eleven with many changes. The biggest surprise was the starting role for Canadian Justin Smith, a tall 21-year-old midfielder who arrived this summer to reinforce B. Irvin Cardona also came in instead of Véliz and Cheddira, who until then had been the only nines used. . The Frenchman’s ownership was an almost desperate act in search of the goal that the team needed so much. Kumbulla, Brian Oliván and Pol Lozano were also new, in an unprecedented eleven this year.
Quick transitions
A plan sought and worked
The owner and lord of the ball was Celta, a very offensive team since Claudio Giráldez arrived on the bench. Beyond a few first minutes of effervescence, Espanyol decided to take cover in the front of their own area and give up the lead. Manolo González’s plan was to resist and look for some transition, like the one he led a handful before half an hour to give a goal to Jofre, who without much time to get in position, finished narrowly wide. In the next play, a solo ride by Cardona lifted the stadium, which reconnected with the team for a few minutes. The Frenchman warned of their tremendous conditions.
After those initial rushes, Espanyol returned to the cave, waiting for a new opportunity, while Celta was not able to find spaces inside, where Justin Smith, Lozano and Král were becoming strong. It was not something improvised, but rather a sought-after and worked-out party plan. In another recovery in Cabrera’s own area, another monumental play came from Cardona. The action of the match. A ride of more than sixty meters to travel the field from area to area, to unleash a cross shot with power and beat Guaita. And also, to restore hope, enthusiasm and the desire to follow the fans. The Frenchman vindicated himself by pointing to the shield, also highlighted by the stands as a new idol thanks to an action for memory. His first goal of the season couldn’t have come at a more important moment.
Cardona, Cabrera and Cheddira give peace of mind
After the restart, Giráldez brought on Borja Iglesias, who returned to Cornellà, where he emerged as a goalscorer in the First Division. With work on track, Espanyol continued doing its thing, waiting for its chance to strike a new blow. A move by Cabrera left Jofre alone against Guaita, but his shot went wide. Shortly after, the winger tested the goalkeeper again with a long-range shot without luck. It was their moment, and Espanyol took advantage of it. It was Cabrera, who was going to say it, who, after collecting his own rebound, vented all his rage on the ball and sent it to Guaita’s squad. Aspas closed the gap with a penalty. But Cheddira gave peace of mind with the third close to 90.
He finally enjoyed Espanyol. Manolo was right, who will continue in office. But even with the score 3-1, the stands remembered Chen Yansheng and Mao Ye, for whom they asked for their resignation throughout the entire match.
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