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2-3: Until the end

RCD Espanyol complete a dramatic stoppage-time comeback to defeat SD Eibar at Ipurúa

RCD Espanyol turned it around in stoppage time to beat SD Eibar 3-2 on Saturday.

The team second in the table welcomed third to Ipurúa in a crucial battle in the fight for automatic promotion to the top tier. In a tense opening period Jofre Carreras had the first shot on goal followed by Omar El Hilali’s effort, while at the other end Stoickhov’s shot flashed across goal and all away across the pitch.

An even start translated into Eibar dominance and numerous chances on goal, including another close call from Stoickhov who missed by a matter of inches. But the hosts would capitalise and take the lead before half-time through Jon Bautista, leaving Espanyol with work to do after the restart.

Needing to come out strong for the equaliser, Eibar were on top and looking more likely to score the next goal. And that was how it would unfold as Peru Nolaskoain doubled the Basques’ advantage. But Espanyol were handed a lifeline when Salvi Sánchez was fouled in the box, and Braithwaite converted his penalty to halve the deficit and bring the Mágico back into it with 15 minutes to play.

Seven minutes of stoppage time and Espanyol kept fighting, and with a stroke of luck Sánchez’s cross went all the way into the back of the net in the 96^th minute. The celebrations were wild but the job was not done, with the visitors pushing for all three points in what was a must-win game.

Past the minimum period of time added on and into the final seconds, Espanyol struck gold. Substitute and debutant Gastón Valles pulled it back to José Carlos Lazo who found space, took his time and picked out the bottom corner to win it in the 99^th minute and send everyone in white and blue into bedlam. From 2-1 down in the 95^th minute to turning it around for 3-2 at the final whistle.

It was not easy, but it was a victory that epitomised Espanyol’s fighting spirit and belief to achieve the ultimate goal, whatever it may take. The three points at Ipurúa see the Mágico move ahead of Eibar into second, into the automatic promotion spots and three points off the summit of the LALIGA Hypermotion table.