Espanyol 4 - 2 Eibar: Braces for Gerard and Marco Asensio as Espanyol defeat Eibar

Posted Monday, May 16, 2016 by PA

Gerard and Marco Asensio both struck twice as Espanyol closed their Primera Division campaign with a 4-2 home win against mid-table Eibar.

Striker Gerard and midfielder Asensio scored goals in each half, while Borja Baston converted a penalty in the second period for Eibar, for whom Sergi Enrich added a last-minute header.

Espanyol, who assured themselves of another season in the top flight earlier this month, bounced back from last week's 5-0 humbling at Barcelona.

Keko's long-range effort threatened to give Eibar an early lead but was dealt with by Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Sabata before the home side took an 11th-minute lead when Gerard tucked the ball home from close range following Victor Sanchez's through ball.

Eibar pair Keko and Adrian went close to equalising in quick succession just before the half-hour mark, but Espanyol were quick to respond and opened up a two-goal lead in the 32nd minute when Gerard teed up Asensio to fire home from a central position inside the box.

Xabi Irureta kept out Perez's effort and Asensio blazed off target when well placed as Espanyol went in search of a third before half-time.

Eibar chased an early breakthrough in the second half and Adrian's shot from outside the box was saved by Pau Sabata, who then kept out Antonio Luna's close-range effort.

The visitors got the goal they deserved in the 57th minute when Espanyol defender Enzo Roco fouled Keko in the area and Borja converted from the spot.

Espanyol hit back, going close through Pape Diop's header before regaining their two-goal advantage when Asensio, assisted by Victor Sanchez, arrowed home angled shot in the 66th minute.

Asensio set up Gerard to rifle home his second 10 minutes later to render Eibar striker Sergi Enrich's last-minute header inconsequential.