LaLiga: Espanyol – Atlético, an opener already under pressure? | OneFootball

LaLiga: Espanyol – Atlético, an opener already under pressure?

The curtain rises this Sunday at the Cornellà stadium. Espanyol host Atlético de Madrid to kick off a season full of both promise and uncertainty.

The Catalans know exactly where their priority lies: securing survival. Edu Expósito, one of the team captains, has made it clear time and again. Still, with a solid preseason under their belts (four wins and a draw in five matches), Manolo González’s side are hoping to spring a surprise. New signing Miguel Rubio, in excellent form, is set to make his debut in the starting lineup on opening day.

Atlético, on the other hand, arrive with a point to prove. The disappointment of the recent Club World Cup still lingers, but Simeone has reshaped his squad. Seven new faces have joined: Raspadori, Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, and Marc Pubill among them. These fresh arrivals bring energy and internal competition. Griezmann, Koke, and Oblak provide leadership for an ambitious generation. In their two preseason matches, Los Colchoneros defeated Newcastle (0-2) after an earlier setback against Porto (1-0).

The predicted lineups suggest a balanced clash, with young talents to watch on both sides. Espanyol are aiming for peace of mind, Atlético are chasing the title. And this opening duel already promises to reveal a lot.