Espanyol battle out valuable 3-3 draw in Bilbao

Feb 4, 2012, 19:14 GMT

Madrid - Defiant Espanyol battled to a 3-3 draw on Saturday at Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league thanks to an injury-time equalizer from supersub Juan Albin.

Oscar de Marcos, one of Bilbao's promising youngsters, gave the hosts an early lead, only for Koffi Romaric to level for Espanyol.

Vladimir Weiss put Espanyol 2-1 ahead three minutes into the second half, against the run of play, but the Basque 'Lions' turned the game around with headed goals from Spanish internationals Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez.

However, Uruguayan striker Albin then came off the bench and made it 3-3 with a left-footed blast after being set up by Kalu Uche.

The draw leaves Espanyol in fifth place with 32 points, level with fourth-placed Levante. Bilbao are sixth with 30 points.

Levante were held to a disappointing 1-1 home draw by Racing Santander, for whom Manuel Arana hit the equalizer after Arouna Kone had put the hosts ahead.

Saturday's other early game was a 1-0 home win for Mallorca over Betis from on a goal from Gonzalo Castro. A bad-tempered game saw Ivan Ramis and Victor sent off for Mallorca, along with Betis defender Mario.

Later on Saturday, leaders Real Madrid were due to make the short trip to Getafe. Real are seven points ahead of world champions Barcelona, who were due to receive Real Sociedad in Saturday's late game.