Match Overview

In a La Liga Regular Season Round 7 fixture at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella, Elche claimed a notable 3-1 victory over Espanyol. Referee Jon Ander Gonzalez Esteban officiated the match, which featured an early red card, multiple goals, and tactical substitutions.

Early Red Card Drama

The game experienced a major turning point in the opening minutes. Following a VAR review that confirmed a card upgrade in the 4th minute, Elche's Federico Redondo Solari was shown a red card in the 6th minute, leaving his side with ten men for the remainder of the encounter.

Fernando Niño's Quickfire Brace

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Elche took control of the scoreboard. After Fernando Niño Rodríguez received a yellow card in the 22nd minute, he responded by scoring twice in quick succession in the 26th and 29th minutes. Both goals were assisted by Roy Revivo.

First-Half Adjustments

Elche made their first change in the 37th minute, replacing Buba Sangaré with Ruben Sanchez Saez. Just before the halftime whistle, Espanyol's Eduardo Expósito Jaén was booked with a yellow card in the 45+4th minute. Espanyol made a double change at halftime, bringing on Quilindschy Hartman and Marcos Fernández for Roger Hinojo and Urko Gonzalez respectively.

Second-Half Action and Own Goal

As the match progressed into the second half, both managers utilized their benches. Elche introduced Pedro Bigas and Abiel Alessio Osorio, while Espanyol brought on Pere Milla, Tyrhys Dolan, and Clemens Riedel. In the 72nd minute, Espanyol's Víctor Chust turned the ball into his own net, extending Elche's lead.

Final Stages and Match Conclusion

Elche added another goal in the 78th minute through Germán Valera, with Tete Morente providing the assist. Late yellow cards were shown to Espanyol's Clemens Riedel in the 82nd minute and Elche's Lucas Cepeda in the 90+1st minute as Elche comfortably closed out the 3-1 win.

Match Statistics Comparison

  • **Ball Possession:** Espanyol 66%, Elche 34%
  • **Total Shots:** Espanyol 23, Elche 9
  • **Shots on Goal:** Espanyol 4, Elche 6
  • **Corner Kicks:** Espanyol 3, Elche 3
  • **Fouls:** Espanyol 14, Elche 9
  • **Yellow Cards:** Espanyol 2, Elche 2
  • **Red Cards:** Espanyol 0, Elche 1