Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Espanyol and Atletico Madrid go head-to-head in their La Liga opener on Sunday.

Both sides will be searching for a positive start to the season, in an intriguing matchup that marks Atletico’s quest to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for the title.

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news

Team News

Espanyol

Espanyol have completed a busy summer transfer window with several new signings ready to make their debuts. Manager Manolo González has integrated fresh faces including goalkeeper Marko Dmitrović from Leganés, striker Kike García from Deportivo Alavés, and defender Carlos Romero on loan from Villarreal for a second spell. The Blue and Whites also secured winger Tyrhys Dolan from Blackburn Rovers and defender Miguel Rubio from Granada on free transfers.

Roberto Fernández has joined permanently from Braga after an impressive loan spell, while Ramón Terrats returns on loan from Villarreal to strengthen the midfield options. José Salinas has arrived from Elche to bolster the defensive ranks, with Hugo Pérez also joining from Villarreal B.

Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid have undergone a significant squad overhaul with Diego Simeone investing heavily in new talent. The headline signing is Italy international forward Giacomo Raspadori from Napoli, who becomes their eighth summer addition. Los Rojiblancos have also brought in creative midfielder Álex Baena from Villarreal, Argentina international Thiago Almada from Botafogo, and defensive midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis.

The defensive reinforcements also include Slovakia centre-back Dávid Hancko from Feyenoord and Spanish right-back Marc Pubill from Almería.

Pablo Barrios is managing a minor muscle injury sustained during pre-season and remains doubtful for the opener, though reports suggest he could be available. José María Giménez continues his rehabilitation from a muscular strain suffered during the Club World Cup and may miss the fixture.

Notable departures include Rodrigo De Paul’s move to Inter Miami and Saúl Ñíguez’s transfer to Flamengo, creating space for the new arrivals to make an immediate impact.

Form

Espanyol: N/A

Manolo González’s team concluded their pre-season campaign with mixed results but showed encouraging signs in victories over Union Berlin and Wolfsburg. The Catalan side drew 2-2 with Newcastle United in their final friendly, demonstrating their ability to compete with Premier League opposition. Last season’s late surge helped them secure survival, and they’ll look to build momentum from those positive displays.

Atletico Madrid: N/A

Diego Simeone’s side endured a disappointing Club World Cup exit in the group stage, falling short against PSG and facing early elimination. However, they’ve recovered well in pre-season with notable victories including a 2-0 win away at Newcastle United. Antoine Griezmann and Julián Álvarez have shown promising chemistry in recent outings.

Predicted Lineups

Espanyol: Dmitrović; El Hilali, Cabrera, Rubio, Romero; Lozano, Expósito; Dolan, Puado, Carreras; Fernández.

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Cardoso, Koke; Baena, Griezmann, Almada; Álvarez.

How to watch Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid?

UK fans can catch the action live on Premier Sports, with streaming available via their platform. Spanish viewers can follow the match on DAZN La Liga. International audiences have access through ESPN+ in the United States, while other regions can check local broadcast partners.

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