Espanyol launched their 2025/26 La Liga campaign in thrilling fashion, overturning a first-half deficit to beat Atlético Madrid 2-1 at the RCDE Stadium. Late goals from Miguel Rubio and Pere Milla cancelled out Javi Álvarez’s opener, sending the home crowd of 29,612 into raptures.
Atlético Strike First
Diego Simeone’s men looked in control for much of the first half, dominating possession and dictating play. Their breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Javi Álvarez coolly slotted home to give Atlético a deserved lead. At the break, the visitors held 60% of possession and had produced more shots, looking well on course to secure three points.
Espanyol Fight Back
But the game swung after the interval. Espanyol, who had spent much of the first half chasing the ball, showed far more ambition in attack. Their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute when Miguel Rubio powered home from close range after a smart assist from Edu Expósito.
The momentum firmly shifted, and eleven minutes later the RCDE Stadium erupted again. Substitute Omar El Hilali’s clever delivery found Pere Milla, who tucked home the winner in the 84th minute to complete the turnaround.
Stats Tell the Story
Despite Atlético’s dominance in possession (60.1% to Espanyol’s 39.9%) and their higher shot count (15 to 9), Espanyol made their opportunities count. They registered five shots on target compared to Atlético’s four, and their clinical finishing in the final 20 minutes proved decisive.
Both goalkeepers were called into action three times, while the defenses were evenly matched with 22 clearances each. Atlético may point to their 139 successful passes in the final third — more than double Espanyol’s 61 — as evidence they controlled much of the game, but ultimately it was the home side’s efficiency that mattered.
A Statement Win
For Espanyol, this comeback victory is a powerful statement of intent as they look to establish themselves back in the top flight. The win not only lifts confidence but also highlights their resilience against one of Spain’s toughest opponents.
Atlético, on the other hand, will be left frustrated after letting control slip late on. Despite creating more chances and even hitting the woodwork, Simeone’s men failed to convert pressure into points — a costly lapse in their push for the La Liga crown.