Espanyol beat Olot 3-0 in first preseason friendly

Updated: 18/07/2026 - 22:47 CEST By: Santi Oliván

Espanyol has kicked off their preseason with a victory against Olot, powered by goals from Bauza in the first half and Marcos and Roberto in the second.

The new Espanyol took the field this afternoon in a classic preseason fixture for the parakeets in Catalan territory. This was the first match of the summer at the Municipal de Olot against the 2RFEF side. The duel served as an opportunity to put on boots for the first time, take initial steps on the grass, and begin building physical fitness and match rhythm. It also allowed fans to see the new white-and-blue signings so far this transfer window: Calatrava, Hartman, and Moscardo, along with other players returning from loan.

Manolo González's side started the match with a lineup consisting of Dmitrovic, Rubén Sánchez, Urko, Cabrera, Hinojo, Bauza, Edu Expósito, Jofre, Calatrava, Pere Milla, and Kike García — a reliable lineup featuring several key first-team players and Calatrava making his debut in the white-and-blue shirt.

Espanyol entered the match trying to propose and dominate the duel against a lower-category opponent. The first chance came in the 11th minute, with an attempted shot by Calatrava from inside the area off a cross from Jofre Carreras. In the 17th minute, Kike García headed against the post from a great cross by Roger Hinojo — bad luck for the parakeet striker.

In the 19th minute, Kike García again headed a great cross from the right by Jofre inside the area, but his attempt was repelled by the local goalkeeper. In the 24th minute, Kike García faced Ballesté in a one-on-one, but the Olot goalkeeper made a great save to prevent the goal.

In the 27th minute, the white-and-blues would not miss again. Rafa Bauza put Espanyol ahead, catching a loose ball inside the six-yard box and comfortably finishing with his right foot to open the scoring. The score was 0-1 at halftime after a strong first half from Manolo González's men.

The second half began with a completely different lineup. Javi Hernández came close to making it 0-2 after a great combination inside the area with Roberto Fernández. In the 57th minute, Riedel headed from a corner kick, but his attempt went just wide. In the 62nd minute, Roberto Fernández, also with a header, failed to adjust a shot that went too central and into the hands of the local goalkeeper. Manolo González's men were incisive in the second half but somewhat lacking in aim in front of goal. In the 66th minute, Marcos Fernández's right-footed shot went close to the Olot post after a good play by Dolan.

In the final stretch, the parakeet team tried to extend the lead. In the 86th minute, after a good service from Moscardo, Javi Hernández headed high with his right foot from a clear position. Then in the 88th minute, Marcos Fernández volleyed a cross from Javi Hernández to beat the local goalkeeper and make it 0-2. In stoppage time, Roberto Fernández increased the lead by scoring the third goal, resolving a one-on-one with mastery. Manolo González's men passed the first preseason test in a positive match that allowed them to see the new players and gain match rhythm.

Match Details

OLOT: Ballesté, Ayala, Soler, Marc Mas, Walid, Lass, Martín Roig, Escoda, Ortega, Pablo, Xaloc. Also entered: Jordi Saucedo, Josep Jaume, Tenas, Lau González, Lamin Sánchez, Cesc Rius, Josep Arrué, Biel Borra, Roger Cortés, Marcal Compte, Dani González, Ian Tinyena, Sergi Massanet, David Yusta. Coach: Roger Vidal.

ESPANYOL: Dmitrovic, Rubén Sánchez, Urko, Cabrera, Hinojo, Bauza, Edu Expósito, Pere Milla, Jofre Carreras, Calatrava, Kike García. Also entered: Serred, Fortuño, Omar, Hartman, Riedel, Timera, Pol Lozano, Moscardo, Javi Hernández, Dolan, Marcos Fernández, Roberto Fernández. Coach: Manolo González.

Goals:

• 0-1 Bauza, min. 27
• 0-2 Marcos Fernández, min. 88
• 0-3 Roberto Fernández, min. 92

Referee: Jordi Serra.

Related links:

• Sergio García: "Espanyol's youth academy must serve the first team"
• World Cup