RCD Espanyol came from behind to beat 10-man Real Racing Club de Santander 3-1 in the Spanish league on Monday, staying in the chase for a Champions League spot.
Christian Stuani put Santander ahead in the 12th minute, but Joan Verdu converted Sergio Garcia’s pass to equalize in the 26th.
On-loan Inter forward Philippe Coutinho scored seven minutes later for Espanyol, while Hector Moreno made it 3-1 with a header from Coutinho’s flick-on in the 80th.
Photo: EPA
Marcos Gullon was shown a second yellow card in the 51st minute to leave Santander with 10 men.
Espanyol’s second straight win means they are two points off fourth place, the final Champions League berth. Santander’s second straight loss under new coach Alvaro Cervera leaves them three points from safety.
VILLARREAL HIRES COACH
AP, VILLARREAL, SPAIN
Villarreal hired Miguel Angel -Lotina as their third coach this season in a bid to avoid relegation in the Spanish league.
Villarreal are three points above the drop zone.
Villarreal fired Jose Molina following Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Levante UD, just 11 games after he replaced Juan Carlos Garrido.
“It’s not a very comfortable situation, but the team is very motivated and I’m very happy to be here,” Lotina said on Monday. “The challenge is enticing.”
Lotina, who will take charge for the rest of the season, led Espanyol to a 2006 Copa del Rey triumph and managed Deportivo La Coruna until last season, when the Galician club was relegated to the second division.
His first match will be today when Spanish leaders Real Madrid visit El Madrigal.
Villarreal have endured a miserable season in which they lost all six of their Champions League group games and failed to win a single Copa del Rey match, exiting the domestic cup competition after the first round.
Lotina’s hiring is the 10th managerial change in the Spanish league this season.
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