Ahard-fought victory in an entertaining game against Levante has seen Espanyol already dreaming of Europe.
In a game where there were many chances created, it was a single goal from Sergio Garcia that separated the sides, curled expertly into the top corner by the veteran Spaniard.
It was a deserved opener after the home side had been more enterprising in their play, a testament to the way Rubi set up the team, with adventurous and forward-thinking football.
Oier Olazabal in the Levante goal fielded shots throughout the game as the visitors put up barely any fight.
They took a more defensive, compact approach to proceedings and only came to life in the latter stages, but it was too little, too late.