Espanyol open LaLiga season with 3-0 win over Levante as Roberto Fernández scores brace

Espanyol's commanding opener

Espanyol opened the 2026-27 LaLiga EA Sports season with a 3-0 win over Levante at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday, 16 August. Manolo González's side dominated possession and chances from the start, with Roberto Fernández scoring twice in the first half and Tyrhys Dolan adding a third in the 80th minute. More than 28,000 fans attended the season opener at Cornellà-El Prat, where the home side's intensity overwhelmed a Levante team that looked still in preseason mode.

Roberto Fernández opened the scoring in the 5th minute, converting from a free kick taken by Edu Expósito after Javi Hernández won the foul near the area. The VAR reviewed the goal before confirming it. The striker doubled the lead in the 40th minute, connecting with a cross from Javi Hernández, who was active throughout the first half. The score at halftime was 2-0.

Levante's difficulties and a teenage debut

Levante, managed by Luís Castro, failed to threaten consistently. The visitors attempted to gain more possession after falling behind but struggled to approach the area of goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic. Mathew Ryan denied chances from Dolan and Cala in the second half to keep the deficit from growing earlier.

Marc Santos made his debut for Levante in the 64th minute at 15 years old, becoming the youngest player to debut in Primera with the Valencian club. The introduction of Etta Eyong and Enzo Bardeli at halftime, and Santos later, could not change the course of the match. Dolan sealed the 3-0 result in the 80th minute.

Absentees and new faces

Espanyol were without Javi Puado and Quique García due to medical issues, and Leandro Cabrera was suspended from the previous season for hitting VAR equipment. The club had attempted to appeal the suspension until the last moment. Cabrera's absence facilitated the debut of signing Unai Núñez in defence, while Cala also made his Primera debut with minutes.

Manolo González had downplayed preseason results, insisting his team would compete at full intensity from the first matchday. He had also predicted that Roberto Fernández would have a standout year, and the forward responded with a brace. Javi Hernández, a product of Espanyol's youth academy, started and provided the assist for the second goal.

Racing's return ends in a draw

In the day's other notable fixture, Racing de Santander drew 2-2 with Villarreal at El Sardinero, marking their return to the top flight after 14 years. Andrés Martín put Racing ahead from the penalty spot, and Sergio Martínez doubled the lead with a goal on his debut. However, Pape Gueye and Nicolas Pépé scored two goals in a minute to equalise before halftime.

Villarreal, a Champions League team now coached by Iñigo Pérez, had early chances through Georges Mikautadze but found themselves trailing by two. Racing held on in the second half, with Martín nearly scoring a third and Ayoze having a chance for a Villarreal side pushed by a newly promoted opponent.

Standings after matchday one

With the victory, Espanyol sits as provisional leader of LaLiga according to El Mundo, while Europa Press places them second, tied on three points with Deportivo Alavés, who beat Getafe 3-0 on Saturday. Both clubs hold an identical goal difference after the first round. Levante sits in last position with no points.