Atletico Madrid will look to return to winning ways when they host a struggling Espanyol side that has lost all momentum since the turn of the calendar. From being outsiders in the title race, the visitors are now struggling to stay in the race for a European spot.
The home team are fourth on the table with 45 points in their 24 outings, with 13 wins, six draws, and five defeats. They are 15 points behind league leaders Real Madrid, and the league title is certainly beyond their reach now. Atletico Madrid have failed to win any of their last three league games (two defeats).
The Colchoneros suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Rayo Vallecano in their last league game and are heading into this fixture on the back of a 3-3 draw against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Diego Simeone’s men will be desperate to get things back on track with a win here.
Meanwhile, the visitors have dropped down to sixth on the table with 35 points in their 24 outings. The Galician outfit have lost four out of their last five league games, and they have been winless in 2026. Since losing to Barcelona at the start of the year, Espanyol’s season has only gone downhill.
After four straight defeats, they did manage a 2-2 draw against Celta Vigo last time out. However, they will have to do much better to take down Atletico Madrid, who, despite their recent struggles, are favourites to claim all three points. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
The home team will be without the services of Nico Gonzalez (muscular issue), Pablo Barrios (thigh injury), and Rodrigo Mendoza (suspension). Atletico Madrid will line up in a 4-4-2 formation, with Jan Oblak set to continue in goal.
Marcos Llorene and David Hancko are expected to be the full-backs, while Clement Lenglet will partner with Jose Gimenez in the heart of the defence.
Giuliano Simeone and Ademola Lookman will take charge in the wide areas, while Koke and Johnny Cardoso will look to control the tempo of the game from a more central area in midfield. Finally, Alex Baena could start alongside the in-form Argentine forward, Julian Alvarez.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Lenglet, Gimenez, Hancko; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Baena, Alvarez
Espanyol remain with the services of Javi Puado (knee) and Fernando Calero (muscle). Apart from the duo, everyone else should be available for selection, as they have not reported any fresh injury concerns.
The visitors will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Marko Dmitrovic will be in goal. Omar El Hilali and Carlos Romero will be the full-backs, while Clemens Riedel will partner with Leandro Cabrera in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Pol Lozano and Urko Gonzalez de Zarate will form the double pivot in the middle of the park. They will look to ensure Atletico Madrid midfielders do not run the show.
Pere Milla and Tyrhys Dolan will feature on the flanks, providing much-needed width to their attacks. Ramon Terrats will take up the number ten role behind Kike Garcia, who should lead the line for Espanyol against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Dmitrovic; El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, Romero; Lozano, Zarate; Dolan, Terrats, Milla; K Garcia
The efforts that Diego Simeone’s son puts in every game tend to go unnoticed, but his teammates certainly know that he wears his heart on his sleeve and gives it all to help his team win. While his work rate is what stands out, the 23-year-old also tends to contribute towards a goal every now and then.
In his 34 outings this term, Simeone has five goals and seven assists. 12 goal contributions are certainly a great return when you consider the fact that the winger is often deployed in a deeper role on the flanks. Given how important he has been, he could have a big say on the end result of this game.
Despite their recent struggles, Atletico Madrid should enjoy long spells of control, especially at home, where they are likely to dominate possession and pin Espanyol back for large parts of the game. Diego Simeone’s side will back their intensity, wing play, and quality in the final third to create chances, particularly against an Espanyol defence that has struggled for consistency in recent weeks.
That said, Atletico Madrid’s lack of rhythm and defensive lapses could once again leave the door open. Espanyol may not be in great form, but they have enough attacking threat to capitalise on moments of hesitation, especially on the counter. Expect a competitive contest where Atletico’s pressure is met by Espanyol’s resilience, making a share of the spoils a realistic outcome. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-2 draw in this fixture.
