Espanyol Come from Behind to Stun Atlético Madrid in La Liga Opener
Espanyol began their La Liga 2025/26 campaign in style with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Atlético Madrid in Barcelona, extending their unbeaten run against Diego Simeone’s side to four matches.
It was Atlético who struck first, as Julián Álvarez curled in a stunning free-kick into the top corner in the 37th minute, giving the visitors a deserved lead and silencing the home crowd at the RCDE Stadium.
But the second half belonged to Espanyol. The hosts grew into the game and were rewarded when Rubio connected with a set-piece to level the score. Moments later, Pere Milla completed the turnaround with a towering header into the top corner, sending the crowd into raptures.
2025-26, Spain - La Liga
Espanyol - Atletico Madrid 2:1 (0:1)
Goals: Álvarez Jul., 37 (0:1); Miguel Rubio, 73 (1:1)
Espanyol: Dmitrović; Calero F. (Miguel Rubio, 66); Cabrera L.; Serrano Carlos; El Hilali; Ramón (Kike García, 46); Edu Expósito; Lozano P.; Jofre Carreras (Dolan, 46); Javi Puado; Fernández Rob. (Milla P., 74)
Bench: Fortuno; Jimenez Pol; Sanchez Ru.; Salinas; Ramón; Sureda; Roca
Yellow Cards: Calero F. 54; El Hilali 74
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Ruggeri; Hancko; Le Normand; Gallagher C. (Barrios P., 46); Cardoso Joao (Koke, 46); Álex Baena (Griezmann, 68); Llorente M.; Almada (Raspadori, 68); Álvarez Jul.; Simeone G-o
Bench: Musso; Lenglet; Molina N.; Pubill; Galán J.; Martín Car.; Sørloth
Yellow Cards: Cardoso Joao 42; Le Normand 67; Llorente M. 72
