Atletico Madrid will host Espanyol at the Metropolitano on Saturday evening as both teams aim to improve their LaLiga standings.
Atletico is currently fourth in the league with 45 points from 24 matches, while Espanyol is in sixth place with 35 points.
This match is particularly interesting because Espanyol’s manager, Manolo González, has not lost to Simeone in three encounters, recording two draws and one win.
Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 21st February.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atletico has some injury issues ahead of this match. Nicolas Gonzalez is out due to injury, and Pablo Barrios is still recovering from a thigh problem.
Rodrigo Mendoza is also unavailable due to a suspension from yellow card accumulation. On the upside, Alex Baena and Jose Maria Gimenez, who had minor injuries, are now fit.
Diego Simeone noted: “There’s no substitute for Pablo. Johnny’s injury is a setback for us. The young players, Rodrigo and Vargas, are adapting to the team.”
Espanyol team news
Espanyol has its own injury troubles. Captain Javier Puado is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury from earlier in the year.
Fernando Calero is also sidelined with a muscle injury, expected to return in early March 2026.
Despite this, Espanyol will have their top scorer, Pere Milla, available. He has scored six goals this season and often joins the attack from midfield.
Form
Atletico Madrid
Simeone’s team has faced ups and downs recently.
After a strong 4-0 win against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey on February 12th, Atletico suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to struggling Rayo Vallecano just three days later.
Most recently, they blew a two-goal lead in their Champions League match against Club Brugge, resulting in a frustrating 3-3 draw on February 18th.
Espanyol
The team from Barcelona is on a poor run, without a win in 2026 after a strong start. They only collected one point from their last five games, ending with a 2-2 draw at home against Celta Vigo on February 14th. They have not won in their last seven matches.
Predicted lineups
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Lenglet, Gimenez, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Baena; Alvarez
Espanyol: Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, Romero; Lozano, Zarate; Dolan, Terrats, Milla; K Garcia
How to watch Atletico Madrid
Fans in the UK can watch the match live on Disney+.
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