Espanyol faced a surprising defeat at home against Elche in the seventh round of the 2026-27 Spanish La Liga season. Despite being a relatively solid side, Espanyol lost unexpectedly to the league’s bottom team.
In the first half, Nino scored twice by the 29th minute, giving Elche a decisive 2-0 lead. Although an own goal by Chust at the 72nd minute reduced the deficit for Espanyol, Javi Valera quickly restored Elche’s two-goal advantage with a goal in the 78th minute, sealing a 3-1 victory.
This win allowed Elche to climb out of last place and move up to 17th position in the La Liga standings.
2026-27, Spanish Championship
Espanyol – Elche 1:3 (0:2)
Goals: Nino 26 (0:1), 29 (0:2); Chust 72 (own goal) (1:2); Javi Valera 78 (1:3)
Espanyol lineup: Dmitrovic; U. Gonzalez (M. Fernandez, 46); L. Cabrera; U. Nunez (K. Riedel, 67); Jinojo (K. Hartman, 46); Edu Esposito; B. Zaragoza (Dolan, 67); Calatrava (P. Milla, 61); J. Hernandez; R. Fernandez
Substitutions: K. Hartman (46), M. Fernandez (46), P. Milla (61), K. Riedel (67), Dolan (67)
Reserves: Fortuno; Serred; Drkusic; Moscardo; P. Lozano; Buasa
Yellow cards: Edu Esposito 45, K. Riedel 82
Elche lineup: Dituro; A-r Traore (R. Sanchez, 37); Revivo (Barzic, 77); Chust; Redondo (sent off 6′); G. Villar (Bigas, 60); Morsillo; Javi Valera; Lemar (Tete Morente, 77); Cepeda; Nino (Osorio, 61)
Substitutions: R. Sanchez (37), Bigas (60), Osorio (61), Barzic (77), Tete Morente (77)
Reserves: Iturbe; Neto Mar.; Josan; M. Aguado; Buonanotte; Diangana; E. Ponce
Yellow cards: Nino 22, Cepeda 90
Red cards: Redondo 6′
Related Stories
