Eder Sarabia reopens the 'Q' file

Sarabia made five changes in his first match in charge, with Hartman earning praise for a strong defensive display at left-back against Deportivo.

Eder Sarabia made an impressive start as RCD, former Espanyol manager in a 0-0 draw with Deportivo, despite serving a suspension from the previous season that kept him out of the dugout. The Basque coach made five changes to the lineup, deploying a 3-4-1-2 formation with Omar El Hilali and Quilindschy Hartman as centre-backs alongside Leandro Cabrera, Alejandro Santiago and Tyrhys Dolan on the wings, and a double strike force of Roberto Fernández and Pere Milla.

Sarabia highlighted Pere Milla's performance, noting the forward played 78 minutes—more than in his previous six appearances combined this season. "He's intelligent, he has a goal, I know him very well. For that double strike force, I thought he was the best option from the start," Sarabia said in his post-match press conference.

However, the standout performer was Quilindschy Hartman, the Dutch left-back who seized the opportunity created by Roger Hinojo's suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. Hartman delivered his best display in an Espanyol shirt, particularly in defensive duties. "'Q' had a great match, especially when Adama came on—he defended spectacularly," Sarabia emphasized.

Beyond defence, Hartman completed 64 accurate passes (second only to Cabrera's 85), made 22 dribbles, and recorded 89 total touches with 88.1 metres of progressive ball-carrying.