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Match Report: RCD Espanyol held to 2-2 draw away to Elche CF

Los Pericos lead on two occasions but are denied a victory

RCD Espanyol played out a 2-2 draw at the Martinez Valero on LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 26, as strikes from Kike García and Carlos Romero were not enough to provide a victory against Elche CF.

Espanyol took the lead from their first clear counter-attack, six minutes in. A long pass from Pol Lozano set Kike García through, and he found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Dituro. The striker poked the ball home with his toe, scoring his fifth goal of the LaLiga season.

The home side failed to find any gaps in the Espanyol defence, apart from a couple of shots that bounced off the legs of the centre backs. Meanwhile, Pol Lozano had a good chance with a shot from outside the area that went just wide of the right post.

However, just as the pace slowed, Elche equalised. A dangerous cross from Germán Valera was deflected by the tip of Cabrera's boot; the ball fell for Lozano to send away, but his attempted clearance deflected off Aguado's leg and into the net.

Pere Milla had a chance to make it 1-2 in the final seconds of stoppage time, but Dituro turned his effort behind for a corner.

To start the second half, the first double scare came from the home side. Rafa Mir tested Dmitrović's reflexes, and Cabrera got just ahead André Silva to prevent another shot.

Lozano fought for a loose ball and played a precise ball to Romero. The full-back approached the area, controlled the ball, and unleashed a shot that nestled into the top corner, putting Espanyol back in front.

For Elche, Diangana had a goal disallowed for offside, and play was then paused due to a protest by Omar El Hillali, who reported a racist insult from Rafa Mir which shall be investigated in the coming days.

Espanyol had a shot against the post from Ramón Terrats, before a cruel twist of fate befell Carlos Romero: He had a penalty given against him for handball, which was converted by Rafa Mir.

Pickel was sent off for two rapid-fire yellow cards in the 95th minute, and the score remained 2-2 at the final whistle.