Osasuna boosted their survival hopes with a 1-1 draw against Espanyol in their La Liga clash this evening.

The home side started the game well as Diego Colotto was found by Simao inside the penalty area, but the striker could only guide his header over the bar.

Espanyol did take the lead in the 22nd minute when Colotto placed his low shot into the bottom corner past the outstretched hand of Andres.

The visitors tried to rally to get back into the game and went close through Francisco Punal as he fired an effort at goal, which was well saved by Kiko Casilla.

Just before the break, Osasuna did find an equaliser when Punal lifted a cross into the box and Javier Acuna fired a low effort into the bottom corner.

After half time, Espanyol could have retaken the lead when Simao raided down the flank and crossed for Christian Stuani, but his header went wide of the target.

Stuani went close again for the home side but his header again went inches wide of the post with Andres beaten after he latched onto David Lopez's cross.

Osasuna tried to up the ante late on to steal a winner but were unable to get the goal and were forced to settle for a point in their fight against the drop.