Evening all! Week 29 in La Liga draws to a close in Barcelona as Espanyol welcome Elche. Neither team is in a particularly good moment, but Elche's need is greater here, that is for certain. Be sure to remain with Sports Mole throughout the night and you will not miss a single moment.

First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.

TEAMS:

ESPANYOL: Casilla; Fuentes, Moreno, Colotto, Arbilla; Abraham, Lopez; Stuani, Sevilla, Vasquez; Garcia

ELCHE: Tyton; Damian, Lomban, Angel, Albacar; Victor, Mosquera, Adrian, Coro; Fajr; Jonathas

So there we have it. Espanyol boss Sergio has selected an attacking XI this evening, with Christian Stuani, Lucas Vasquez and Salva Sevilla all starting behind the lone forward Sergio Garcia. Victor Sanchez and Victor Alvarez are both on the bench, however, with Abraham given a midfield role.

There are no real surprises in the Elche side, meanwhile, with leading scorer Jonathas once again selected in attack. Coro and Pedro Mosquera also start, but there is still no spot in the XI for speedy attacker Garry Rodrigues. It is also the usual back five for the La Liga strugglers tonight.

Espanyol have only won one of their last five top-flight meetings with Elche, but that victory (3-1) did come in the corresponding match last season. Meanwhile, Elche have only won one of their 18 La Liga trips to Espanyol, with that success coming back in 1966. The two teams have of course already met in the league this season and it was Elche that recorded all three points with a 2-1 victory.

It has been a difficult few weeks for Espanyol, with Sergio's side going out in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey to Athletic Bilbao and failing to win in their last four league matches. They have also gone three league games without scoring and will enter the match off the back of a disappointing goalless draw with La Liga strugglers Deportivo La Coruna before the international break.

A total of 34 points from 28 games has left Espanyol in 12th position in the table, nine points clear of the relegation zone. They have been strong on their own patch this season – winning seven of their 14 matches and losing just three times. However, it has been a different story on the road – losing nine of their 14 games and picking up just two victories. That has been their Achilles heal this term.

Elche, however, will not have much sympathy with Espanyol's recent run. The strugglers have lost their last two in the league, failing to score in both and conceding seven times. That run of form has left them 16th in the table, just two points clear of the relegation zone with 10 games remaining.

No team in La Liga has lost more home league games than Elche this season (eight), while they have picked up just four wins on their own patch. It has been a similar story on the road, where they have won three, drawn three and lost seven, scoring just 11 times in the process. Kickoff is imminent...

PREDICTION! I fancy Espanyol to return to winning ways here. The hosts have been on a poor run of form, but I am struggling to see where the goals are coming from for Elche. My prediction is 2-0 Espanyol.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Let's hope for an entertaining game in Barcelona. It is the visitors that get the first 45 minutes underway here.

Far from a full house inside the stadium this evening, but there is a decent atmosphere. Elche have made a bright start to proceedings, with Jonathas forcing a corner following good work on the left. From the resulting set piece, Albacar strikes a powerful volley, but his effort is high of the goal.

You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital in this type of game. Elche have certainly started the match on the front foot, with Jonathas causing problems in attack.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Espanyol have just managed to enjoy a period of possession in the Elche half. Both sets of supporters are creating a good noise inside the stadium, while the early signs are certainly positive in terms of the tempo.

Moreno and Fajr clash during a high challenge, but the pair return to their feet following a quick cuddle on the ground - well it looked like that anyway! Elche are still threatening in wide areas as Victor Rodriguez delivers a cross towards Jonathas, but Colotto is on hand to clear the danger.

The visitors continue to threaten as they force a couple of set pieces, but Espanyol manage to clear the danger. We are still waiting for the first real chance of the match, with Albacar's early volley the closest that either side has come to scoring. It is the type of game that needs to be ignited somehow.

It has become a little untidy in the last couple of minutes, with both sides struggling to keep hold of the ball in the final third. It is awfully scrappy as this first period continues to gather pace here.

Espanyol work the ball into a dangerous area as Garcia slides a pass into Sevilla, but the offside flag was raised. Not too sure about that one, it looked close. It is too stop-start at the moment.

Super, super goal! Espanyol take the lead with 17 minutes on the clock as Garcia collects a pass outside the box before bending one into the top corner. It is a wonderful hit from the skipper!

Elche are really struggling to keep the ball at the moment as Espanyol press high up the field. You just get the feeling that the visitors need to stay in this game for the next 10 or 15 minutes here.

The referee has been more involved than he would have liked in the last couple of moments following a number of late challenges, but there has still not been a booking here, which is a surprise.

Not too much has happened since Espanyol took the lead, with both teams guilty of conceding possession far too easily in the final third. Jonathas is still a threat for Elche, but the forward is lacking support at the moment. Garcia's strike has been the one real piece of quality thus far here.

BOOKING! Sevilla (Elche) is booked for a late challenge on Coro.

Elche are pushing higher up the field as we approach the 30-minute mark, but not much is sticking at the moment as Espanyol break forward once again. Still 1-0 to the hosts in Barcelona here.

Elche just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Espanyol pass and probe in the final third, but another attack breaks down when Garcia is challenged by Suarez. One-way traffic at the moment.

Elche are of course still in this game at 1-0, but it is difficult to see where a goal is going to come from. Jonathas is the main threat, but Fajr, Coro and Victor Rodriguez have all struggled thus far here.

BOOKING! Adrian (Elche) is booked for a late challenge on Javi Lopez.

Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Espanyol still lead 1-0 in Barcelona. Garcia is again involved in a wide area as he delivers towards Stuani, but Tyton is on hand to claim.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes as the challenges continue to arrive in wide positions. Neither team has been particularly impressive from set pieces thus far though.

In truth, the first 39 minutes of this game have not been the best. It has been a match short of clear chances, but a stunning moment from Garcia separates the teams as it stands. I suspect that Elche boss Escriba will already be considering changes. They just have not threatened thus far here.

Adrian takes matters into his own hands for Elche after finding space outside the Espanyol box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. That is a bit better, some attacking intent at least.

Not too much to report in terms of chances as we approach the final moments of the first period. There have been some cracking games in La Liga this weekend, but unfortunately this is not one of them!

Lomban is a touch fortunate not to pick up a yellow card as he pulls Stuani to the ground with Espanyol threatening to counter. That has been the story of the half - far too stop-start in Barcelona.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Espanyol leading 1-0 courtesy of a wonderful strike from Garcia. Aside from that piece of quality, it has been a fairly poor game. Both teams have struggled in the final third, with clear opportunities very much at a premium here.

STATS! Elche have shaded the possession with 56%, but they have not hit the target with any of their five attempts, which have all been from distance. Espanyol, meanwhile, have only had one attempt on target, but that brought the goal. There have also been two bookings - one apiece - thus far.

BENCH WATCH! Espanyol have plenty of attacking options on their bench this evening, with the likes of Caicedo, Canas and Montanes among those in reserve. Elche, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Cristian Herrera, Pasalic and Rodrigues. Will we see any changes at the break?

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Elche find a route back into this match? It will be difficult. The home side get the second 45 minutes underway here.

No changes from either side at the break, which is not all that surprising at this stage of events. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains 1-0 for the next 15 minutes or so.

BOOKING! Moreno (Espanyol) is booked for bringing Victor to the ground.

The resulting free kick is clipped into the box by Albacar, but there are no takers and Espanyol have a goal kick. The overall quality from set pieces this evening has been very disappointing indeed.

It has been a decent start to the second period from Elche, with Jonathas receiving more support in the final third. An equaliser at this stage of the match would make things very interesting here.

Espanyol have just managed to regain a period of control in the last couple of minutes, but they are not creating too much in the final third. In truth, it is not too difficult to see why Espanyol have struggled in recent weeks. Garcia is an outstanding player, but the rest of the team are struggling for form.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes as both teams continue to concede possession in the final third. No movement on either bench as it stands here.

Jonathas attempts to combine with Coro just outside the Espanyol box, but the return pass is too strong and Espanyol regain possession of the ball. There has been a distinct lack of quality in the final third this evening. The game's outstanding moment remains the first goal of the match here.

SAVE! Espanyol come close to scoring their second goal of the match as Lucas Vasquez strikes one towards the bottom corner, but Tyton is across to make a really smart save.

You just get the feeling that chances will arrive in the final 30 minutes here. Espanyol are still ahead, but it is the narrowest of margins and Elche are keeping more and more of the ball here.

Still no movement on either bench as we pass the hour mark, but both managers have players capable of making a difference from the sidelines tonight. Still a lot of football to be played in Barcelona.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Elche as Fajr feeds a low ball beyond the Espanyol defence, Jonathas takes it in his stride, but his touch is too heavy and Casilla is out to claim. What an opportunity!

SUB! Elche make their first change as Herrera replaces Adrian.

SUB! Espanyol introduce Victor Sanchez in place of Stuani.

BOOKING! The first 45 minutes were not the best, but the second period thus far has been very eventful. The challenges continue to arrive late, meanwhile, which is raising the temperature. Fuentes (Espanyol) is the largest player to go in the book for a late tackle on Jonathas, who is more involved now.

Another half-chance for Elche as Fajr delivers a free kick from deep, but Casilla is on hand to clear with a powerful punch. Plenty happening at the moment with little over 20 minutes remaining here.

Espanyol have just managed to stem the flow of pressure with a period of possession, but they are not offering too much down the other end, much to the frustration of the home supporters here.

Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and the home side still lead courtesy of that stunning hit from Garcia in the first period. Elche are preparing to make their second change of the game.

BOOKING! Mosquera (Elche) is booked for a poor challenge on Abraham.

SUB! Elche make their second change as Rodrigues replaces Coro.

BOOKING! Angel (Elche) is booked for a late challenge on Fuentes.

SUB! Espanyol make their second change as Canas replaces Sevilla.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with the game continually interrupted. Espanyol break into the Elche box with Vasquez, but the midfielder is crowded out.

Elche level with 77 minutes on the clock as Herrera heads home from close range after Jonathas had initially been denied by Casilla. Boos ring around the stadium as the team in green celebrate!

SUB! Third and final change for the home side as Caicedo replaces Javi Lopez.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Elche on the counter attack as Jonathas leads a two-on-one attack, but the striker cannot find Rodrigues and the danger is cleared. Some opportunity!

CHANCE! Stunning chance for the home side this time as Garcia breaks into the box before attempting to place one into the bottom corner, but Tyton makes a wonderful save!

Well, the first period was poor, but the second half has been wonderful!

Neither side is settling for a point here as both continue to commit numbers in the final third. It would be a much better point for Elche than it would be for Espanyol there is no doubt about that!

SUB! Elche make their third and final change as Alvaro replaces Victor.

Half-chance for the home side as Canas delivers a dangerous cross towards Caicedo, but Elche manage to clear for yet another corner. Is there going to be a late sting in the tail in Barcelona?

Slightly untidy end to the match here as both sides concede possession in the final third. There is not much football be played, rather both firing long balls into the opposing box. Still level here.

The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes here.

The home supporters show their frustration as another attack breaks down, before Elche launch the ball down-field. Time is running out if we are going to see a late, late winner in Barcelona.

Perhaps one more chance as Espanyol force a corner...

... the first contact is made by Arbilla, but Elche manage to clear once again.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Elche recovering from a goal behind to claim a point in a 1-1 draw. Espanyol remain 11th in the table, while Elche are still 16th, two points clear of the bottom three. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!