A last-gasp leveller from Espanyol saw Los Periquitos snatch a point at home after twice coming from behind against Valencia, who, despite the late heartache, remain unbeaten at the RCDE Stadium in their last five visits.
A fast start saw Kike Garcia break forward and force Julen Agirrezabala into a save inside the first minute, shortly before Tyrhys Dolan cut inside and shot just wide as the hosts started the brighter of the two sides.
However, they were hit with a sucker punch when Arnaut Danjuma volleyed Luis Rioja’s delicious cross home at the back post, marking just the second league goal Valencia have scored before half-time this season.
Espanyol pushed hard for an equaliser, with Garcia again being denied from close range before Cesar Tarrega brilliantly blocked two shots on the line in quick succession, and Dolan’s effort from the angle was tipped away by Agirrezabala, seeing the visitors through to half-time with their lead intact.
A tale of two corners before and after the hour mark saw Espanyol first level proceedings through Leandro Cabrera, who headed home Edu Exposito’s inswinging delivery, shortly before Hugo Duro swiftly headed Valencia back in front, connecting with substitute Filip Ugrinic’s cross.
It was another goal for Los Che against the run of play, and Espanyol looked for another response through Garcia, who was once again denied by Agirrezabala just a few yards from goal.
It was not the striker’s night, as when he was later found in the box, he put the ball wide of the post.
However, his blushes would be spared as a well-worked free-kick saw Javi Puado head home a dramatic late equaliser with the last action of the match.
As a result, Los Periquitos avoided back-to-back league defeats with a remarkable sixth straight draw in H2Hs, while Valencia were consequently denied successive league victories.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Javi Puado (Espanyol)