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Match Report: 3-1 loss in preseason closer

Late goals see RCD Espanyol fall to Coventry City

Espanyol suffered a 3-1 defeat in their final preseason friendly against Coventry City, as the home side scored late after 70 minutes of very good play from Los Pericos

Up against them were a physical Coventry City side, who provided some relentless marking by Kitching and Amenda on Roberto Fernández. The centre backs -who were significantly taller and heavier than him- muscled him out of possession on several occasions with some aggressive play.

Roberto got his revenge with an acrobàtic backheel goal after the ball had sailed over him and he was falling to the ground, having been grabbed by Kitching inside the six-yard box. His shot surprised everyone and ended up in the back of the net, making it 0-1.

The squad dedicated the goal, with arms outstretched to the sky, to Dani Jarque on the 17th anniversary of his death.

The team's focused and disciplined performance in the first half saw them concede very little in defence, and force Coventry's players back towards their own area.

Tyrhys Dolan had tested goalkeeper Rushworth early on. Shortly after, at the other end, Marko Dmitrovic stopped Van Ewijk, and before Roberto's goal, Álex Calatrava smashed the ball just over the bar after a pass from Omar El Hilali.

Right at the start of the second half, a header from Cabrera from a corner was cleared off the line by Kitching, with his goalkeeper already beaten.

Espanyol displayed composure, serenity, and hard work, as the match maintained its intensity and suspense, but fatigue was beginning to take its toll on the players for both teams.

Everything changed after a scandalous foul on Roberto, as he tried to shield the ball when he had a clear advantage. The referee waved play on, and Sakamoto scored the equaliser, while the Espanyol players protested to the referee and Roberto lay on the ground with a hurt ankle.

Coventry took the lead after a header from Eccles and, with seven minutes to go, Simms made it 3-1, punishing Espanyol and highlighting the versatile squad that Coventry have assembled this season for their return to the Premier League.

RCD Espanyol now return to Barcelona, before facing Levante on Matchday 1 of the LaLiga season.