Back
1-2 defeat for battling Espanyol
Los Pericos lose at home to Elche
Espanyol lost at the RCDE Stadium for only the second time this season as they fell 1-2 to Elche, conceding two early goals that set the game against them. Raúl de Tomás scored what proved to be a consolation goal from the penalty spot.
Missing several players, including goalkeeper Diego López and midfielder Sergi Darder, Espanyol were attempting to make it back-to-back league wins in the Monday night fixture. Elche, however, found the net after just six minutes: Pere Milla placed the ball into an empty net off a cross into the six yard box.
The Espanyol players tried to react, but again it would be Elche who scored against the run of play -and again through Milla. A cross in from the left was met by the midfielder, with LaLiga debutant Joan García stranded and unable to reach the ball before it was headed in.
There was no other option but to try to close the gap as soon as possible, and it appeared as if Los Pericos had made a breakthrough when Loren Morón converted an RDT cross from the right at close range. However, the goal was disallowed for offside.
Espanyol had numerous corners from Embarba sent away desperately, but their pressure paid off when Keidi Baré was fouled inside the area. RDT stepped up to turn in the penalty, claiming his tenth LaLiga goal of the season with the final kick of the first half.
The team had 45 minutes to try to turn the scoreline around, but were met with frequent stoppages and more defensive opposition. RDT came close with a run through on goal, and the striker had another chance in stoppage time that he sent over, as the game came to a close with no equaliser.
RCD Espanyol now travel to the Balearics, where they take on RCD Mallorca in the Copa del Rey on Saturday.