Espanyol, who thrashed Albacete in the first league match (3-0), regained the lead four games later, in which they have won three, tied one and have not conceded a goal. Those of Vicente Moreno took advantage of Sporting's puncture in the Asturian derby against Oviedo to place themselves in the position that corresponds to them by budget and squad, and the one that all the fans expect after the bad drink of last season's relegation. An ascent on the fast track is the obsession, and for the moment the parakeet path is optimal.
The keys to Espanyol are multiple. Vicente Moreno has brought common sense to the bench after a season in which there were up to four tenants, each with a philosophy. The parakeet team is capable of winning by overwhelming, as against Albacete (3-0), wearing down rivals and sentencing in the second half, as in Oviedo (0-2), Sabadell (0-1) or against Alcorcón ( 1-0), or resign oneself to adding a point without defensive oversights, as in the duel with Mallorca (0-0).
For this, it has a decisive player like Raúl de Tomás, who has three goals in 14 shots. Perhaps the offensive aspect is the pending issue for a Espanyol that still “has many things to improve,” as his coach commented. At the moment, Espanyol accumulates seven goals in 48 shots, which means that the Blue and Whites need at least seven shots to score. That lack of aim has caused that games in which he had many occasions, such as against Sabadell or Alcorcón, he has only been able to win by the minimum, with what that means in the final moments.
While waiting to improve that balance, and with Diego López on the verge of breaking the record for unbeaten in Second Division that is held by Tommy N'Kono, Espanyol will experience its most normal week of the season. With the market already closed, with a quality workforce and a Second Leader. A photograph that everyone hopes will be repeated in June.