Bidding to launch a serious challenge for the La Liga title in the 2025–26 season, Atletico Madrid will begin their campaign with a trip to Catalonia on Sunday night to face Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. The fixture marks the beginning of what promises to be a compelling season for both clubs, albeit with vastly different ambitions. Atletico, perennial contenders under the stewardship of Diego Simeone, are aiming to close the gap on the two giants of Spanish football—Barcelona and Real Madrid—after finishing third last season. Meanwhile, Espanyol, who narrowly avoided relegation in the previous campaign, are looking to build on their survival and establish themselves as a stable mid-table side. The contrast in objectives adds an intriguing layer to this opening clash, as both teams seek to start the season with a statement performance.
Atletico’s 2024–25 campaign was solid but unspectacular. They finished third in La Liga, eight points behind second-placed Real Madrid and a full 12 points adrift of champions Barcelona. While their defensive solidity and tactical discipline remained hallmarks of Simeone’s side, inconsistency in front of goal and a lack of creativity in midfield often hampered their ability to dominate matches. The club’s last league title came in the 2020–21 season, and while they have remained competitive since, the growing quality and depth of their rivals have made the summit increasingly difficult to reach. This season, however, there is renewed optimism in the red and white half of Madrid. A busy summer transfer window has brought in a host of new faces, injecting fresh energy and versatility into the squad. The arrivals of Alex Baena and David Hancko, both commanding significant transfer fees, signal the club’s intent to compete at the highest level.
In addition to Baena and Hancko, Atletico have secured the services of Johnny Cardoso, Giacomo Raspadori, Thiago Almada, and Matteo Ruggeri, all of whom bring unique qualities to the team. Cardoso adds steel and composure to the midfield, Raspadori offers mobility and technical finesse in attack, Almada is a creative spark capable of unlocking defenses, and Ruggeri strengthens the defensive line with his athleticism and tactical awareness. These additions suggest a shift in Simeone’s approach, with a greater emphasis on fluidity and attacking dynamism. The departure of Samuel Lino to Flamengo was the most notable exit, but the overall balance of the squad appears to have improved. Central to Atletico’s hopes will be Julian Alvarez, who enjoyed a sensational debut season following his move from Manchester City. The Argentine forward scored 29 goals in 57 appearances across all competitions, quickly establishing himself as the focal point of the attack and a fan favorite.
Atletico’s pre-season preparations included participation in the 2025 Club World Cup, where they won two of their three group-stage matches but failed to progress, with Paris Saint-Germain and Botafogo advancing from Group B. While the early exit was disappointing, the tournament provided valuable minutes for the new signings and allowed Simeone to experiment with different tactical setups. The team showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their victories, and there is a sense that the pieces are beginning to fall into place. The challenge now is to translate that potential into consistent performances in La Liga, starting with a tricky away fixture against a rejuvenated Espanyol side.
Espanyol’s 2024–25 season was a rollercoaster, marked by moments of promise and periods of deep concern. The Catalan outfit finished 14th in La Liga, just two points clear of the relegation zone. Their record—11 wins, nine draws, and 18 losses—was enough to secure 42 points and ensure survival, but only just. The narrow escape from the drop has prompted a summer of introspection and action. Under the guidance of Manolo Gonzalez, Espanyol have embarked on an ambitious rebuilding project, aiming to strengthen the squad and avoid another relegation scrap. The club has made it back-to-back seasons in the top flight for the first time since 2023, and there is a palpable desire to push higher up the table and re-establish themselves as a competitive force in Spanish football.
Espanyol have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer market, signing nine players to bolster their ranks. Among the new arrivals is Roberto Fernandez, who joins on a permanent basis from Braga after a successful loan spell in the second half of last season. Fernandez scored six goals during his loan stint and quickly became a key figure in the attack. His return is a major boost for Gonzalez, who will rely on the forward’s movement and finishing ability to trouble opposition defenses. The club also saw a significant departure, with goalkeeper Joan Garcia making a high-profile move to Barcelona. The 24-year-old’s £21 million release clause was triggered by Hansi Flick’s side, and his exit leaves a void between the posts that Espanyol will need to fill effectively.
Pre-season results have been encouraging for Espanyol, who played six friendlies and won four of them. Their final warm-up match—a 2–2 draw with Premier League side Newcastle United—was particularly morale-boosting, showcasing the team’s resilience and attacking potential. The performance against a strong English side has raised expectations ahead of the new campaign, and there is a sense that Espanyol are better prepared this time around. The squad appears more balanced, and the integration of new signings has gone smoothly. Gonzalez has instilled a sense of belief and tactical discipline, and the players seem to be responding positively.
In terms of team news, Espanyol will be without Javi Hernandez due to injury, but they are otherwise in good shape heading into the opener. Several debutants are expected to feature, including Fernandez, who will likely lead the line through the middle. Marko Dmitrovic and Miguel Rubio are also in contention to start, adding experience and depth to the defense. Javi Puado, who enjoyed a strong 2024–25 season with 12 goals in La Liga, is set to be among the starters and will be a key figure in the final third. His ability to find space and convert chances will be crucial against a well-drilled Atletico defense.
Atletico, meanwhile, have a near-full squad available, with the exception of Jose Gimenez, who is a doubt due to a muscular problem. Simeone is expected to field a strong lineup, potentially featuring five of the new signings from the first whistle. Hancko, Ruggeri, Cardoso, Baena, and Almada are all in line to make their competitive debuts, and their performances will be closely watched. The integration of so many new players presents both an opportunity and a risk, as cohesion and understanding may take time to develop. However, the quality and versatility of the newcomers suggest that Atletico could hit the ground running.
The tactical battle between Gonzalez and Simeone will be fascinating. Espanyol are likely to adopt a compact shape, looking to frustrate Atletico and hit on the counter. Their midfield will need to be disciplined and energetic, especially against the likes of Baena and Almada, who thrive in space and can dictate the tempo. Atletico, on the other hand, will aim to control possession and apply sustained pressure, using Alvarez’s movement and finishing to unlock the defense. Set pieces could play a significant role, with both teams possessing aerial threats and capable delivery.
Beyond the tactical nuances, this match carries emotional and symbolic significance. For Atletico, it is the beginning of a campaign that could mark a return to the summit of Spanish football. The club’s investment and ambition are clear, and the pressure to deliver is immense. For Espanyol, it is a chance to prove that they belong in La Liga and can compete with the elite. The RCDE Stadium will be buzzing with anticipation, and the home crowd will play a crucial role in driving their team forward.
As the sun sets over Catalonia and the floodlights illuminate the pitch, the stage will be set for a gripping encounter. Atletico Madrid versus Espanyol is more than just an opening fixture—it is a clash of ambition, identity, and resilience. The Red and Whites will arrive with the swagger of title contenders, while the White and Blues will fight with the determination of a team seeking redemption and respect. In a league where every point matters and every match tells a story, Sunday night’s showdown promises to be a chapter worth reading.
