Sergio Garcia scored a stunning long-range strike only for RCD Espanyol to concede a late goal in a 1-1 draw with Elche in La Liga on Monday.
Garcia unleashed a dipping shot while on the run that clipped the post before landing in the net in the 17th minute.
Garcia’s 10th league goal of the season was his team’s first since Feb. 27.
Photo: EPA
Espanyol held the visitors without a clear scoring chance until substitute Cristian Herrera headed in a rebound off Jonathas’ shot that had been blocked by goalkeeper Kiko Casilla in the 77th minute.
“They went ahead on Sergio’s amazing goal, but we didn’t lower our heads at any moment and kept working to get the point,” Herrera said. “We leave feeling good.”
Garcia had a great opportunity to grab a late winner, but goalkeeper Przemyslaw Tyton saved with his foot.
Espanyol were left in 12th place, while Elche slipped into 16th, three points above the relegation zone.
“It leaves a bad taste in our mouth,” Espanyol forward Lucas Vazquez said. “The version of our team in the second half wasn’t the best. We had our chances to finish of the game and we ended up paying dearly for not taking advantage of them.”
The league was set to continue with the 30th round of games starting yesterday, when third-placed Atletico Madrid were due to host Real Sociedad.
La Liga leaders Barcelona are due to host UD Almeria today, while second-placed Real Madrid are due to visit Rayo Vallecano de Madrid.
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