CE Sabadell delivered a strong performance against Espanyol, securing a 1-1 draw in a match where they were superior for significant periods and created clear chances to win. The final score was leveled by an own goal from Rubén Sánchez and a response from Kike García. Ferran Costa's team stood out for their solid defensive and creative play, maintaining high intensity.
This was the second pre-season match for Centre d'Esports, as they continue to refine their team dynamics ahead of the season's start in just a few weeks. The new signings showed promise, with notable runs by Miki Codina and a shot from Rahmani that went wide. The team demonstrated personality and was clearly the dominant side at various points.
The 'arlequinat' squad also attempted to score from set pieces, but Urri's effort missed the target. One of the new faces, Pere Pons, came close to opening the scoring with a header from a cross by Joel Priego, but the ball narrowly missed. Overall, it was a commendable performance from Ferran Costa's team, with the new players integrating well and the team beginning to find its rhythm for the league opener.
In the second half, fatigue led to Sabadell ceding possession to Espanyol, who controlled the game without creating significant danger. Around the hour mark, Costa made eight substitutions to rotate the entire squad. The incoming players revitalized the team's intensity from the first half, with a notable contribution from Quadri. Shortly after, the home team scored: an unexpected error by Timera left the ball for Escudero, who, after dribbling past the goalkeeper, was about to score, but Rubén Sánchez, attempting to defend, inadvertently sent the ball into his own net.
Espanyol's response was immediate. Kike García equalized with a well-placed cross-shot that goalkeeper Ortega could not save. In the final minutes, the visiting team tried to break the deadlock but could not find the back of the net. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw. The next friendly is scheduled against Manresa on Wednesday.
