JAKARTA - La Liga 2025/26 officially rolled out this weekend, and one of the exciting matches was presented at the RCDE Stadium, Sunday night 17 August. Espanyol, who just survived last season's relegation brink, immediately took a tough test against the capital giant, Atletico Madrid.
Last season, Espanyol finished in 14th place in the standings with 42 points just two points above the red zone. But this summer, the club's management moved quickly on the transfer market. A total of nine new players were brought in, including striker Roberto Fernandez who is now permanent from Braga.
The club's preparation nicknamed Periquitos is promising. From six pre-season games, they won four times and closed it with a draw against Newcastle United (2-2). The coach, Total Gonzalez, hopes that this momentum can be brought to the opening match against Atletico.
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On the other hand, Atletico came with big ambitions after finishing third last season with 12 points behind Barcelona champions. Diego Simeone's troops are quite active in the transfer market, bringing in names like Alex Baena, David Hancko, Giacomo Raspadori, Thiago Almada, to Matteo Rugeri.
Despite failing to qualify for the group stage at the 2025 Club World Cup, Atletico are still being taken into account. Moreover, their main bomber, Julian Alvarez, appeared wild last season with 29 goals from 57 matches.
Espanyol is indeed full of enthusiasm for a new face, but Atletico has more quality and experience to secure full points.
Espanyol (4-4-2): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Cabrera, Rubio, Romero; Sanchez, Lozano, Exposito, Roca; Fernandez, Puado.
Atletico Madrid (4-2-3-1): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Rugeri; Barrios, Cardoso; Simeone, Baena, Almada; Alvarez.
Predictions: Espanyol 0-1 Atletico Madrid
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