Nekounam brace as Osasuna trounce Espanyol <br /><br />PFDC - PAMPLONA, Javad Nekounam led Osasuna to an impressive 4-0 thrashing of Espanyol Barcelona in the first game of new headcoach Mendilibar on Sunday. <br />Masoud Shojaei also contributed to the win with one assist. <br /><br />Mendilibar, who had replaced Camacho last week, put his trust in both Iranians as he started Nekounam in central defensive and Masoud Shojaei in offensive midfield and should be rewarded. <br />Nekounam scored the opening goal, heading a corner kick into the net after just 14 minutes. <br />The Iranian national team skipper doubled the lead ten minutes into second half, converting a penalty kick after a handball. <br />Ten minutes from time Lolo added a third before Shojaei assisted Soriano's 4-0 two minutes before the end of regular time. <br />Both Iranian players showed impressive displays, Shojaei earning standing ovations when being substituted after 89 minutes.
