The 2025/26 La Liga season continues with Espanyol welcoming Atlético Madrid to the RCDE Stadium on Sunday, August 17. Espanyol earned promotion back to the top flight just last season and will be hoping to build on a hard-fought 14th-place finish.
These two teams last met on March 29, 2025, sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw. César Azpilicueta’s first-half strike gave Atlético the lead before Javi Puado equalised for Espanyol from the penalty spot.
Historically, Atlético Madrid have enjoyed the upper hand with 19 wins from 42 meetings, while Espanyol have claimed 12 victories, with the remainder ending in draws.
Espanyol endured a nervy return to La Liga last season, finishing just two points above the drop zone. Manager Manolo González has looked to strengthen his squad in the transfer window, relying heavily on free-agent acquisitions.
Softfootball understands the Parakeets have not won any of their last seven La Liga openers, though they will take confidence from frustrating Atlético in recent years. Each of the last four meetings between the sides has ended level.
Atlético, meanwhile, remains one of the most consistent clubs in Spain, with 13 straight top-four finishes under Simeone. However, the Argentine coach, now entering his 15th consecutive season in charge, faces growing pressure to close the 12-point gap that separated his side from champions Barcelona last term.
Over £100m has been spent on reinforcements, including the arrival of Italy forward Giacomo Raspadori from Napoli, who could make his debut in the game.
Both teams have posted their official starting line-up for the game. Atletico will be lining up in a 4-4-2 setup, and they posted on their official X account:
Espanyol have scored their last four league goals after the hour mark, while Atleti’s last seven of eight goals have come in the second half. Atlético are unbeaten in their last eight league games against Espanyol (W3, D5), though Espanyol’s last six La Liga wins have all come with clean sheets.
Espanyol official starting XI:
Roberto Fernández, who joined Espanyol permanently from Braga after a successful loan, will be tasked with leading the attack, while Atleti will miss José María Giménez through injury.
With Espanyol determined to prove they belong and Atlético looking to make a statement, Sunday’s clash could be another cagey affair between two clubs with very different ambitions.
