Hungover after a World Cup in which Spain elevated the meaning of team to the cube, the ball does not take a break and rolls again on the pitches of the League. It does so in installments because Barça, Madrid, and Atlético (and their respective rivals) are skipping the round for now due to having many World Cup players who reached the final rounds. Thus, although the muscles are still loosening up from preseason and although the teams are still open to signings, the League arrives, one in which Espanyol aims not to go through as many shocks as in the last two seasons; one in which Levante, written off in winter but resurrected by Luis Castro afterwards, intends to cement itself in the First Division. But in the contest, only the white-and-blue team had its say, catapulted by Roberto’s sharpness and aim, a magnificent striker.
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The team’s names were chanted again from the stands, the machine music thundered from the speakers, and the flags waved with the anthem (also sung a cappella), the fans devoted to their team because there is no setback that can overcome the wonderful minority called. And, of course, the beloved Jarque was applauded during the 21st minute. Nothing changes at Espanyol just as Manolo’s team remains intense to the max, mid-block, all together and balls to Roberto, who fights with his shadow, who manages to make wine from water, who is worth a fortune. It didn’t take long to explain it.
With the curtain raised, he only needed a lateral free kick and a rival defense in Babia to underline himself as the Carpanta of the area, once he claimed his spot, positioned himself, and gave meaning to the orphan ball, a shot armed in a flash and a ball that kissed the post before the net. A goal from nowhere, a superlative advantage in a duel where they were still playing in slow motion. Especially Levante, who wanted the ball and intended to weave it from the back. Success at the root because Espanyol did not press; failure in the opponent’s field because the rival gave no respite — exceptional Riedel physically and in cutting; not so much in composition — and because the granotas lacked foot and ingenuity, although Carlos Álvarez asked for it nonstop, a footballer as small in size as great with the ball at his feet. But he also did not succeed with the final pass, perhaps one he gave to Romero who shot timidly and without finesse. Quite the opposite of Roberto, who after two attempts spat out by Ryan (one to Javi Hernández and another to Cala), took advantage of a lateral assist to put the bow and put distance, to shout that he remains in his place. Even if it is to give the worst welcome to Levante.
The granota team tried to regain the pulse after the intermission — Castro sat Carlos Álvarez, goodbye to talent — but Roberto stuck to his guns. As soon as he brought down a snowy ball from Dmitrovic, he then blocked the rival goalkeeper so Dolan could have a shot that did not quite get the curve. As soon as he slipped between the two central defenders to give it first-time to the arrival of Javi Hernández — another asking for a chance — he then invented a shot that could have been more. Although that was achieved by Dolan after a control and a low left-footed shot to the opposite post, a goal to tear Levante apart, who was already playing out of breath from the effort, composing neither melody nor any protest.
Espanyol congratulated itself for a great start and Levante lowered its head, understanding that it had neither rhythm nor arguments, nor football, nor, above all, Roberto.
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| Standings | PT | PJ | PG | PE | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Standings | PT | PJ | PG | PE | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
18 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
20 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
