ACADEMY GRADUATES PROVE THEIR WORTH DURING WIN OVER RCD ESPANYOL

On Friday night, we claimed a deserved victory at the RCDE Stadium. Dodi Lukébakio's first-half brace proved to be enough for all three points. Stanis Idumbo provided the assist for the opener in what was his first start for the first team. He was one of four academy graduates to feature from the get-go against RCD Espanyol.

This is the second time that this has happened this season, further demonstrating the importance of our academy. With an average age of 25.09 years, this was our youngest starting XI this season. As well as Idumbo, Isaac Romero, Juanlu and José Ángel Carmona all started the match against Espanyol. In fact, Carmona made his LaLiga debut at the RCDE Stadium two seasons ago. He certainly left his mark on that match, scoring twice and providing one assist.

Jesús Navas, who of course is also an academy product, came off the bench late on in the second half and further etched his name into the history of Spanish football. He is now the player with the fourth most appearances for one club in LaLiga history, and tenth most overall. His total of 510 matches sees him level with Iker Casillas.