Date: Saturday, 29th March 2025
Venue: RCDE Stadium, Barcelona
Attendance: 30,559
Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas
Matchday: 29
The LaLiga encounter between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid at the RCDE Stadium ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. With both teams vying for crucial points in the league, the match witnessed moments of brilliance, strategic play, and intense competition. Espanyol sought to strengthen their position in the standings, while Atlético aimed to keep pace with the top contenders.
César Azpilicueta put Atlético ahead in the first half, but a second-half penalty from Javi Puado ensured that Espanyol walked away with a valuable point.
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid Head-to-Head Record
Espanyol and Atlético Madrid have shared a competitive history in LaLiga. In the last ten meetings, Atlético Madrid has had the upper hand, winning six times, while Espanyol secured two victories, with two matches ending in draws. Their most recent encounter before this match also ended in a tight contest.
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid Lineups and Substitutions
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (4-2-3-1)
Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Joan García
- Defenders: Omar El Hilali, Leandro Cabrera, Marash Kumbulla, Carlos Romero
- Midfielders: Pol Lozano, Alex Král, Jofre Carreras, Javi Puado, Roberto Fernández
- Forward: Urko González
Substitutions:
- 46′ Alejo Véliz for Pol Lozano
- 62′ Edu Expósito for Alex Král
- 62′ Antoniu Roca for Jofre Carreras
- 78′ Pere Milla for Roberto Fernández
- 90′ Álvaro Aguado for Javi Puado
Atlético de Madrid (3-5-2)
Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Jan Oblak
- Defenders: César Azpilicueta, Clément Lenglet, Robin Le Normand
- Midfielders: Marcos Llorente, Samuel Lino, Conor Gallagher, Pablo Barrios, Rodrigo De Paul
- Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Alexander Sørloth
Substitutions:
- 28′ José María Giménez for Robin Le Normand
- 45′ Rodrigo De Paul for Samuel Lino
- 64′ Nahuel Molina for Giuliano Simeone
- 64′ Julián Álvarez for Alexander Sørloth
- 81′ Rodrigo Riquelme for Conor Gallagher
- 81′ Reinildo for César Azpilicueta
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid Match Summary
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid First Half
Atlético Madrid started strong, controlling possession and creating early chances. Espanyol’s defense held firm, but a moment of brilliance from César Azpilicueta in the 38th minute put Atlético ahead. The veteran defender unleashed a stunning right-footed shot from outside the box, beating Joan García in goal.
Espanyol attempted to respond with quick counterattacks but failed to break down Atlético’s solid defense. The first half ended with the visitors leading 1-0.
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid Second Half
Espanyol emerged with renewed energy, pressing high and seeking an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 71st minute when Leandro Cabrera won a penalty after being fouled in the box by Clément Lenglet. Javi Puado stepped up and converted the penalty with precision, slotting it into the top right corner.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the final moments, with Griezmann and Álvarez missing key chances for Atlético. Espanyol held their ground, and the match ended 1-1.
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid Stats
| RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid Stats | Espanyol | Atlético Madrid |
| Possession (%) | 39.4 | 60.6 |
| Total Shots | 8 | 13 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 5 |
| Passing Accuracy (%) | 82 | 87 |
| Fouls Committed | 12 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 0 | 5 |
| Corners Taken | 4 | 3 |
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid Impact on the League Table
The draw keeps Atlético Madrid in the top four, but they missed an opportunity to close the gap on the league leaders. Espanyol, on the other hand, gains a crucial point in their battle for a mid-table finish.
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid Player Achievements & Man of the Match
RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid Man of the Match: Javi Puado (Espanyol)
Puado’s equalizer and overall performance were vital in securing the draw for Espanyol. His composure under pressure and attacking presence earned him the top honor.
Other Notable Performances:
- César Azpilicueta: Scored a stunning goal and was solid in defense.
- Antoine Griezmann: Created chances but was unable to find the net.
- Leandro Cabrera: Won the crucial penalty that led to Espanyol’s equalizer.
FAQs
Q: Who scored the goals in the RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid match?
A: César Azpilicueta (38′) for Atlético Madrid and Javi Puado (71′, Penalty) for Espanyol.
Q: How did the RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid match impact the league table?
A: Atlético Madrid retained their top-four position, while Espanyol gained a valuable point to stay competitive in mid-table.
Q: Who was the Man of the Match in the RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid match?
A: Javi Puado was awarded Man of the Match for his decisive penalty goal and attacking contributions.
Q: What were the key moments of the RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid match?
A: Azpilicueta’s stunning goal in the 38th minute and Puado’s penalty conversion in the 71st minute were the defining moments.
The RCD Espanyol de Barcelona vs Atlético de Madrid encounter was a testament to the competitive spirit of LaLiga. Both teams fought hard, displaying tactical prowess and determination. With crucial fixtures ahead, both Espanyol and Atlético will look to build on this performance as they navigate the remainder of the season.
