Manolo González, coach of Espanyol, emphasized the importance of flying team tomorrow to avoid frustration, expressing high expectations for the upcoming match. Espanyol is set to face Atlètic Lleida in the Copa del Rey, marking their debut in this season's tournament. The team will rotate players, with Ángel Fortuño confirmed as the starting goalkeeper, and will include youth players José Ángel and Ferran, aiming to showcase their strength despite the challenging level of the opponent from Segunda Federación. The match took place at Camp d’Esports, where Espanyol secured a 2-1 victory. Kike García opened the scoring early with a penalty, followed by a decisive goal by Kike García in the second half. The team experienced some defensive lapses, including a mistake by Fortuño that allowed an equalizer for Atlètic Lleida. The game was characterized by intense competition, with Espanyol dominating possession in the second half and making tactical substitutions to maintain their lead. Coach González highlighted the need for the team to perform at their usual level, noting the importance of motivation and effort against a well-organized and fast opponent. He expressed confidence in his players, especially those with less playing time, and stressed the importance of competing seriously in all matches, including the Copa. The team aims to progress further in the tournament, with the next match scheduled in Vitoria. Overall, Espanyol's debut was marked by resilience and strategic gameplay, with key players contributing significantly to the victory.