The lighthouse of salvation

As it happened on the first day of this 2020, when Abelardo Fernández made his debut against Barcelona (2-2), It was not presented last weekend as the most conducive to Espanyol. While the parrots received an entire Atlético de Madrid, Mallorca did the same before a hypothetically exhausted Getafe (0-1) of his effort in Amsterdam, Leganés welcomed Alavés (1-1) and Celta visited Granada (0 -0). Not that the day ended up being round, but at least everything was as it was, with the blue and white to five points of permanence. Or better, with renewed energies and a conviction in achieving it that seemed lost seven days before in Valladolid.

The week began precisely with the nth ward spell of the season, and continued on Thursday with a balsamic triumph against Wolverhampton in the farewell of the Europa League (3-2). Recovered an iota of trust, 600 fans injected morale to the squad in Saturday's training. And on Sunday, against Atlético, the players were given the reply with an exceptional first part in which they practically annulled the rojiblancos, which ten days earlier had defeated the current European champion, Liverpool. Those first 45 minutes, which ended with a 1-0 but could have been greater, they already constitute the lighthouse that illuminates the hopes of the parakeet permanence. And it was not the result of chance, since this Espanyol de Abelardo had not let himself be won by Barcelona (2-2), Villarreal (1-2) and Sevilla (2-2).

In particular, the draw against Atlético de Madrid can extract the parakeet several positive readings. Like, in the middle of a long blushing season, the defense did not make any rude mistakes (Saúl Ñíguez was discovered in 1-1, but more than half a goal was his powerful shot). That there is inspiration in attack, obviously through Raúl de Tomás but also in other players. That there is a plan B, even if it was due to the need for significant casualties in the core (David López and Marc Roca), even more direct play than usual. Or that, months later, the current coach has turned Cornellà into a reliable stadium, where parrots have not lost since December.

Y, as reinforcement to that positive attitude that should serve as a beacon, tflush the clash against Atlético Abelardo himself spoke of “great game”, of feeling “proud” of their players. Some players who take account and who know that the point harvested on Sunday will only be good if they link two victories against Osasuna and Alavés. So close so far.