Atletico Madrid’s 2025/26 La Liga campaign got off to a rocky start on Sunday as they fell 2-1 to Espanyol, who staged a stunning late comeback at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
Despite a brilliant free-kick goal from new signing Julian Alvarez, Diego Simeone’s side failed to hold their advantage, conceding twice in the final stages.
Atletico, who brought in Alex Baena, David Hancko, Johnny Cardoso, and Giacomo Raspadori during the summer in hopes of challenging Barcelona and Real Madrid, instead looked vulnerable and disjointed in their opening clash.
After a cagey start, Alvarez lit up the game in the 37th minute with a spectacular strike that left goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic with no chance. The Argentine nearly doubled Atletico’s lead after halftime when his shot rattled the post.
Espanyol, however, refused to give in. Miguel Rubio equalized with 17 minutes left, turning in a loose ball from a set-piece. The hosts then completed the upset in the 84th minute when substitute Pere Milla rose highest to head home Omar El Hilali’s cross, sparking wild celebrations.
The result leaves Atletico already under pressure, especially after rivals Barcelona opened their title defence with a convincing 3-0 win over Mallorca, while Real Madrid are set to face Osasuna on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Sevilla thanks to a late strike from Robert Navarro.
