Llorente earns Athletic point in epic

Published Sep. 16, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Fernando Llorente scored on his return as Athletic Bilbao twice came from behind to claim a Primera Division point against Espanyol in an enthralling 3-3 draw at Cornella-El Prat.

Espanyol enjoyed the better of the first half and went ahead thanks to a wonderful team move on 18 minutes as Javi Lopez side-footed home before Joan Verdu tapped in a second just before half-time.

However, Athletic responded early in the second half and after Aritz Aduriz had brought them back into the game, Llorente scored within seconds of coming on as a substitute to level the scores with 25 minutes remaining.

The drama continued as Samuele Longo restored Espanyol's lead with 10 minutes to go, only to be shown a second yellow card for his over-exuberant celebrations.

And Athletic made their man advantage count almost immediately as Aduriz volleyed in a stunning equaliser to ensure a point for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

Valencia earned their first victory at the fourth time of asking after easing past newly-promoted Celta Vigo 2-1 at the Mestalla on Saturday.

Sofiane Feghouli gave Valencia an early lead and although Celta equalized soon after through Michael Krohn-Delhi, the hosts claimed the points thanks to Aly Cissokho's 50th-minute winner.

Malaga maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable 3-1 win over Levante thanks to goals from Javier Saviola, Joaquin and Francisco Portillo.

Saviola deservedly put the hosts in front after 26 minutes with a simple finish from Isco's fine through ball, but Levante were level a minute after half-time when Michel thundered in from outside the area.

However, Malaga's lead was restored 12 minutes later when Saviola's cute pass found Joaquin free inside the area and his calm finish gave Gustavo Munua no chance.

And, despite losing Sergio Sanchez to a second yellow card three minutes from time, Portillo sealed all three points with a controlled volley in the last action of the match.