Barcelona: Espanyol beat 10-man Mallorca 3-2 at home in the Spanish league on Friday as the Barcelona-based side confirmed their turnaround under coach Javier Aguirre. Simao Sabrosa scored a free kick to give Espanyol the lead in the 17th minute, but Giovani Dos Santos equalised in the 35th and former Espanyol midfielder put Mallorca ahead in the 42nd with a long-range volley.
Joan Verdu started Espanyol's comeback by making them 2-2 with a penalty kick when Samuele Longo was fouled by Jose Nunes in the area. Midfielder Raul Baena then drove in a loose ball to grab the winner in the 83rd two minutes after Mallorca's Antonio Luna received his second booking.
"I have the sensation that we are getting the doses of good fortune that we need," Aguirre said. "We have won three straight games at home against direct rivals fighting to avoid the drop. I am happy with the performance of the team."
Espanyol's victory lifted them provisionally into 14th place, while Mallorca stayed in the relegation zone with just one win in the last 15 rounds.
"I'm angry because I like winning, but even more so for my players," said Mallorca coach Joaquin Caparros. "We did the most complicated part, coming back to get in front and had the game under control. We hope we can change this negative dynamic soon."
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