Espanyol Faces Atlético Madrid in Crucial LaLiga Clash

CORNELLA, Spain — Espanyol is set to host Atlético Madrid on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as both teams seek vital points in LaLiga. The match kicks off at 16:15 CET at the RCDE Stadium, following a break for international fixtures.

After suffering a recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid and a loss in LaLiga to Barcelona, Atlético Madrid’s manager Diego Simeone is looking to restore confidence in his squad. Atlético currently sits third in the league table with 56 points, four points adrift of leaders Real Madrid and two points clear of Athletic Bilbao.

Espanyol, meanwhile, is fighting to distance itself from the relegation zone. They are positioned 15th, tied on points with Valencia and just one point above Alavés and Leganés, who are in the dangers of relegation. The team aims to collect three points to enhance their chances of remaining in the top flight.

Historically, Espanyol has had the upper hand in matchups against Atlético, tallying 53 wins out of 184 meetings, while Atlético boasts 96 victories and 35 matches ending in draws. Their previous encounter earlier in the season ended in a goalless draw.

Match referee Javier Alberola Rojas from Castilla-La Mancha will officiate the game with Daniel Jesús Trujillo Suárez as the VAR assistant. Espanyol will be without injured players Catalá, Gragera, and Pacheco, while Tejero remains a doubt for coach Manolo González. Ángel Correa will miss his second match due to suspension for Atlético, which may impact their attacking strategy.

Despite their struggles, Atlético is regarded as the fifth-best away team this season, garnering 22 points on the road. In contrast, Espanyol’s home record has been impressive, remaining unbeaten in their last eight home fixtures, with three wins and five draws, including a notable victory against Real Madrid.

Both teams entered this match with different objectives. Espanyol hopes to draw on their recent form at home to secure crucial points that could mean the difference between relegation and survival. In the build-up to the match, coach Manolo González expressed confidence in his team’s ability to challenge one of LaLiga’s giants.

“Every match is an opportunity, and we believe we can pose a threat to any opponent,” González said in a pre-match conference.

On the Atlético side, Diego Simeone acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We need to focus on upcoming matches, especially as the race for the title becomes more competitive. Our goal remains clear—winning every game.”

The players chosen for the match align with both coaches’ strategies, aiming for a tactical balance. Espanyol’s lineup includes players like Joan García, El Hilali, Kumbulla, and Cabrera, while Atlético’s squad features Jan Oblak, Marcos Llorente, and Antoine Griezmann.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation builds for a thrilling encounter that could have significant implications for both clubs in the closing stages of LaLiga.