Espanyol boss Javier Aguirre believes that his side deserved to take something from their 2-1 defeat to Villarreal on Monday evening.

Aguirre's outfit had a golden opportunity to secure a late point against the Yellow Submarine from the penalty spot, but Sergio Garcia saw his effort saved by Sergio Asenjo.

"This loss is a real punishment for us," he told reporters at a press conference.

"The players effort, their attitude and tactical work deserved something. I can't blame the players for anything.

"Every week they try and play to their best. But this is what football is all about."

Espanyol's defeat ended a run of back-to-back wins in La Liga.