Elche have climbed off the bottom of La Liga by surviving a dramatic finish to beat Espanyol 2-1.

The hosts needed just 19 minutes to break the deadlock as Enzo Roco took advantage of space on the right wing to deliver an inviting cross to Jonathas, who headed home from 12 yards.

Espanyol responded well to falling behind, but wasted a good chance to issue a quick response when Sergio Garcia delayed taking a shot in the box before eventually seeing his effort blocked.

Paco Montanes then went close with a header which needed clearing off the line after he had found space at the back post.

Elche were inches away from doubling their lead early in the second half when David Lomban rattled the crossbar with a free kick from just outside the box.

However, the home supporters would not have to wait much longer for a second goal as Jonathas finished emphatically after being picked out with an inch-perfect pass from Victor Rodriguez.

Jonathas came close to completing his hat-trick when he peeled away from his marker to head towards the bottom corner, but Francisco Casilla responded well to keep out the in-form forward.

Elche's Garry Rodrigues ensured that it would be a dramatic finish when he received his marching orders for picking up a second yellow card.

Espanyol did reduce the deficit in the closing stages through Christian Stuani's penalty after the referee spotted a handball from Domingo Cisma, who became the second player to receive a red card for the hosts.

However, Elche held on to collect just their second victory of the season.