A dramatic late strike from Alex Baena earned Atletico Madrid a narrow 1-0 away victory over Espanyol in the ninth round of La Liga. The result leaves Atletico just two points behind league leaders Barcelona, keeping the pressure firmly on their title rivals.

Baena proved to be the difference-maker, finding the net in the 89th minute to snatch all three points for Diego Simeone's side. The midfielder is enjoying the most productive season of his career, with five goals and two assists already to his name in the league.

2026-27, Spain - La Liga

Espanyol - Atletico Madrid 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Álex Baena, 89 (0:1)

Espanyol: Fortuño; Riedel C.; Cabrera L.; Drkušić (Núñez U., 64); Hinojo; El Hilali; Edu Expósito (Calatrava, 73); Lozano P.; Zaragoza Br. (Javi Puado, 82); Hernandez J. (Moscardo, 73); Fernández Rob. (Fernandez Mar., 82)
Substitution: Núñez U. (from 64); Moscardo (from 73); Calatrava (from 73); Javi Puado (from 82); Fernandez Mar. (from 82)
Bench: Dmitrović; Hartman Q.; Gonzalez U.; Dolan; Bauzà; Milla P.
Yellow Cards: Hinojo 81; Núñez U. 87

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Hancko; Pubill; Romero C. (Mendoza R., 67); Martinez D. (Grimaldo, 46); Hjulmand; Barrios P. (Llorente M., 55); Lee Kang-in (Álex Baena, 62); Lookman (Álvarez Jul., 46); David J.; Simeone G-o
Substitution: Grimaldo (from 46); Álvarez Jul. (from 46); Llorente M. (from 55); Álex Baena (from 62); Mendoza R. (from 67)
Bench: Musso; Le Normand; Vargas Ob.; Domínguez J.; Ortiz Ar.; Sørloth
Yellow Cards: Hjulmand 22; Lee Kang-in 43; Romero C. 66; Álex Baena 68; Mendoza R. 80