García gets Espanyol going

RCD Espanyol made a winning start to their Group F campaign by scoring two goals without reply at AC Sparta Praha.

Riera strike
Despite struggling for form in the Primera División, Espanyol made a bright start in the Czech capital and took the lead after 17 minutes as Luis García converted a penalty. Sparta were the dominant team from then on and the visitors had to survive some fierce late pressure before striker Albert Riera wrapped up the victory in the 85th minute.

Changes
Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde made eight changes to the team which drew 0-0 at Villarreal CF on Sunday, fielding Walter Pandiani as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Sparta boss Michal Bílek also went for a new-look starting XI, making three alterations to the side which saw off FC Baník Ostrava 3-0 at the weekend.

Repka set-piece
García caused havoc from the off and soon won a penalty after a speedy break into the box was brought to an abrupt end by Michal Kadlec. The 25-year-old forward picked himself up to fire the spot-kick past goalkeeper Jaromír Blažek and into the bottom right-hand corner. The goal seemed to spur the home side into action and they immediately went on the offensive as defender Tomáš Repka went close from a free-kick.

Stout defending
The visitors had to defend stoutly to preserve their slender advantage as the interval approached, Miroslav Matušovič shooting just wide. Sparta began the second half in similar fashion, and were denied an equaliser three minutes in as Espanyol goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz repelled a Jan Šimák shot. The clinching second goal came against the run of play as Riera latched on to a Pablo Zabaleta cross and fired the ball low into the net.