Stuani nets last minute winner as Espanyol snatches win over Granada

Published Dec. 14, 2014 8:51 a.m. ET

foxsports

BARCELONA, Spain --

Espanyol substitute Christian Stuani scored in the 90th minute to snatch a 2-1 win over 10-man Granada in the Spanish league on Sunday.

The Uruguay forward raced in at the far post to volley home Lucas Vazquez's cross after Granada was left a man down in the 82nd when Juan Carlos Perez received his second booking for handling the ball.

Also, promoted Eibar continued its impressive debut campaign in the top flight by drawing 0-0 at Sevilla.

Vazquez had already played a part in Espanyol's first goal in the 34th when his deflected cross fell to Felipe Caicedo, who poked it past goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez.

Granada equalized through Youssef El Arabi in the 61st after forward Ivan ''Riki'' Sanchez-Rico made his season debut as a substitute to energize the visitors.

Espanyol rose to 11th place. Under first-year coach Sergio Gonzalez, the Barcelona-based side hasn't lost in seven straight home games after falling in its home opener.

Stuani, a starter in recent seasons, has flourished coming off the bench and leads Espanyol with six goals in the league.

''It was a very important goal after we lost at Barcelona (5-1),'' said Stuani. ''We had a debt to settle with our fans.''

Granada, in 16th, remained winless in 11 rounds and two points above the relegation zone.

Sevilla pressed throughout the match but Eibar remained disciplined at the back and was helped by timely saves in each half by goalkeeper Xabi Irureta to deny Ever Banega and Kevin Gameiro.

Sevilla stayed in fourth place while Eibar was ninth, behind Celta Vigo on goal difference.

Later, Atletico Madrid, which hosts Villarreal, will look to capitalize on Barcelona's 0-0 draw at Getafe on Saturday. A win for Atletico would put it level with the Catalan club in second place behind leader Real Madrid.

Athletic Bilbao also visits Real Sociedad in a Basque Country derby.