Elche lead Espanyol 1-0 at half time thanks to a late strike from Coro.
The hosts, roared on by their fans, dominated the early exchanges and forced several early corners.
Manu del Moral then had his long-range effort tipped over the bar after beating two defenders, before Carles Gil ran clear of the defence only to be denied by a close offside call.
Elche's pressure eventually told and they took the lead in 40th minute. Del Moral found Coro, who turned well in the box and fired past the goalkeeper.
