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RCD Espanyol draw 2-2 with Celta Vigo in season opener

Expósito and Joselu both score on their debuts

Espanyol drew 2-2 with Celta Vigo in their first LaLiga game of the season, putting in a competitive performance to start the campaign. New signings Edu Expósito and Joselu both scored as the team came back from 2-0 down at Balaídos.

Coach Diego Martínez had announced the day before the game that it would be a tough game, and his prediction was prescient. Espanyol were the better side in the first half and created chances, but went into the break with the scoreline against them after a delicate finish by Celta Vigo's Iago Aspas.

The home team would double their lead through Gonçalo Paciencia, who scored the second early in the second half.

With Celta Vigo 2-0 to the good, Los Pericos moved higher up the pitch and took more risks. The gamble paid off, as debutant Edu Expósito closed the gap with a shot from the edge of the area.

The equaliser came late in stoppage time. Joselu tried to control the ball inside the area but was knocked over, with a penalty eventually awarded after a long wait to check VAR. The striker himself dispatched the spot kick, earning his team a point.