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Late comeback earns 3-3 draw against Eldense

RCD Espanyol score in stoppage time to claim a point

RCD Espanyol scored a late equaliser from the penalty spot against Eldense to claim a share of the points at the Stage Front Stadium, as Javi Puado held his nerve to convert in stoppage time.

The team came into the game off the back of an imperious victory against Levante UD, and were facing one of the Segunda División's recently promoted teams. Luis García's men, who had already experienced problems in their first two home games, were not sleeping on opponents who aspired to spring a surprise.

RCD Espanyol started well with two clear opportunities to take the lead. The first was for Martin Braithwaite, who could not take advantage of a good setup from Puado. The Danish striker miscontrolled, losing a few decisive seconds in which the opposing goalkeeper got in position to smother.

Nico Melamed had a chance that was equally clear, sending a free kick against the crossbar.

Eldense, who had barely broken into the opposing half, managed to score through Soberón and, when Espanyol were recovering from the shock, they extended their advantage thanks to Chapela. It was 0-2 before the quarter hour, in a situation similar to that of two weeks prior.

A shot by Melamed, which Guille Vallejo caught, was the closest Los Pericos came to pulling a goal back before the interval.

The second half started well. Braithwaite this time converted off an assist from Edu Expósito to bring the home side into contention. However, once again, Eldense made the most of their third arrival in area and the hard-working Andone beat Pacheco to take the score to 1-3.

Puado reduced the deficit again, with an important goal that spurred Espanyol on. The game slowed down due to continuous stoppages, but still they proved capable of creating a lot of danger.

The referee decided to add 12 minutes of stoppage time, and Los Pericos tried tirelessly until they succeeded. A ball inside the area to Keidi Bare led to the penalty, and Puado stepped up to convert to earn a point in a 3-3 draw.