Espanyol Make dream LaLiga start with three-goal win over Levante

Espanyol extended their unbeaten run to four matches (W3, D1) dating back to last season after a convincing 3-0 victory over Levante in their LaLiga opener at the RCDE Stadium.

Looking to build on their impressive finish to the previous campaign, Espanyol made the perfect start inside five minutes. A free-kick from Edu Exposito found Roberto Fernandez, who reacted quickest to poke the ball beyond the goalkeeper and in off the far post.

The hosts continued to threaten, with Javi Hernandez forcing Mathew Ryan into a sharp save after unleashing a powerful effort from the edge of the box.

Ryan was again called into action moments later when Alex Calatrava came close to opening his Espanyol account. The new signing cut inside onto his left foot before aiming for the bottom corner, but the Australian goalkeeper produced an important palm to keep the deficit at one.

Espanyol eventually doubled their advantage before the interval, with Fernandez completing his brace. The forward calmly tapped home Hernandez’s dangerous cross at the end of an excellent flowing move.

Hernandez then had an opportunity to put the result beyond doubt before half-time, but his curling effort flew over the crossbar.

Levante struggled to create a response, with Ivan Romero coming closest when he dragged a long-range attempt wide. The visitors failed to register a shot on target during the opening half, while Espanyol remained firmly in control.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Espanyol continuing to look the more dangerous side.

The hosts nearly added a third before the hour mark when Tyrhys Dolan fired narrowly wide, while Ryan was forced to make another save to keep out Hernandez’s close-range effort.

Levante finally produced a rare attacking moment when Karl Etta Eyong headed over, but the Granotes remained largely second-best throughout the contest.

Espanyol eventually put the result beyond any doubt in the closing stages. Youngster Rafel Bauza produced an impressive run down the wing before cutting the ball back for Dolan, who turned quickly and drilled a low effort into the far bottom corner from the edge of the box.

The comfortable victory means Espanyol have now won their opening LaLiga match in successive seasons for the first time since 2001. It is also only their second victory in their last nine season-opening fixtures in the competition, alongside four draws and three defeats.

For Levante, the result extends an unwanted record. They are now without a win in their last five top-flight season openers, recording one draw and four defeats.

After both teams enjoyed positive finishes to last season, Levante now have work to do, while Espanyol can celebrate an ideal start to the new campaign.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Roberto Fernandez (Espanyol)