As the La Liga season enters its final phase, Atlético Madrid face a crucial test in their bid to close the gap on league leaders FC Barcelona. The “Los Rojiblancos” travel to Cataluña to take on RCD Espanyol in a match that could significantly impact their title hopes. With only 10 games left, every point counts, and Atlético Madrid must navigate a challenging fixture list to keep their dreams alive. The international break has given Atlético Madrid a brief respite, but the reality of their league position is stark. Sitting in third place, seven points behind FC Barcelona, Diego Simeone’s side needs to make up ground quickly. The 3-0 victory by Barcelona over CA Osasuna on Thursday has only widened the gap, making the upcoming matches even more critical. Atlético Madrid’s record of 16 wins, eight draws, and four losses (56 points) is commendable, but it falls short of the pace set by the leaders.
On Saturday, Atlético Madrid (16-8-4, 56 points) will travel to the Catalan territories to face RCD Espanyol (7-7-13, 28 points). Espanyol find themselves in a precarious position in the league table, sitting 15th and just a point above the relegation zone. Despite having a game in hand over their relegation rivals, Espanyol will be looking to secure a crucial victory, much like CD Leganés did against Atlético earlier this season. The match promises to be a battle of survival for Espanyol and a test of Atlético’s resolve. While Atlético Madrid’s fans might expect a routine victory, history suggests otherwise. The last three meetings between the two sides have all ended in draws, and in their last 11 encounters, Atlético has managed only four wins (just one at the RCDE Stadium). Espanyol, who sit seventh in the all-time La Liga table, are not a team to be underestimated. Their 40,000-seat stadium can create a formidable atmosphere, adding to the challenge for Atlético.
As Atlético Madrid prepare for this crucial match, manager Diego Simeone must balance the immediate needs of the league with the upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Barcelona. With 10 first-team players returning from international duty, some are likely to be rested or given fewer minutes. Marca suggests that Argentine duo Julián Álvarez and Rodrigo De Paul could be left out of the starting eleven. Pablo Barrios is expected to start in midfield, with Conor Gallagher potentially replacing De Paul. The Englishman has had limited playing time this season, but with Nahuel Molina unlikely to start, Marcos Llorente will need to fill the right-back spot, ruling him out of the center. Julián Álvarez’s likely absence means Alexander Sørloth, fresh from scoring two goals for Norway, could start upfront. With Ángel Correa suspended, the frontline options are limited, increasing the chances of seeing Rodrigo Riquelme make a rare appearance as a second striker.
In defense, Robin Le Normand is expected to partner Clément Lenglet over José María Giménez, given the significant difference in time and distance between their previous matches with their national teams. Le Normand played close to Madrid in Valencia, while Giménez traveled nearly 9,000 kilometers to Bolivia. The left-back position remains a concern, with Atlético linked to summer reinforcements. Javi Galán or César Azpilicueta could feature against Espanyol, as the team continues to address this weakness. As Atlético Madrid prepare to face RCD Espanyol, the predicted lineup includes Jan Oblak in goal; defenders Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Clément Lenglet, and César Azpilicueta; midfielders Giuliano Simeone, Conor Gallagher, Pablo Barrios, and Samu Lino; and forwards Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sørloth. This lineup balances experience with fresh legs, aiming to secure a vital three points in a match that could define Atlético Madrid’s season. With every game counting, the “Los Rojiblancos” must bring their best to secure a victory that could keep their title hopes alive.
