Espanyol Eases To Victory Over Elche

Espanyol eased to a 3-1 win at home over Elche in the Spanish league on Sunday, keeping the Barcelona-based club in the chase for a Europa League berth.

Forward Simao Sabrosa set up Espanyol's first two goals.

David Lopez headed in Simao's corner to open the scoring two minutes in, and Sabrosa picked out Diego Colotto with a free kick to make it 2-0 in the 21st.

Luis "Pizzi" Afonso's deflected shot went in off a defender and the crossbar in the 58th to ensure Elche stayed winless in eight consecutive away games.

Espanyol fullback Juan Fuentes scored an own goal in the 88th.

Later, Real Madrid looks to reclaim sole possession of the league lead when it hosts Levante, Athletic Bilbao visits Valencia, and Sevilla plays at Almeria.

SUPERSPORT