Atletico Madrid Stumble Against Espanyol, Lose Ground in La Liga Title Race

Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid dropped crucial points in a 1-1 draw against Espanyol in Matchday 29 of La Liga, widening their gap behind league leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The visitors started brightly at RCDE Stadium, with César Azpilicueta scoring his first goal for Los Colchoneros since joining from Chelsea. However, Javier Puado converted a late penalty to salvage a point for the hosts - continuing Espanyol's surprising stronghold over Madrid clubs this season.

2024-25, Spain - La Liga

Espanyol - Atletico Madrid 1:1 (0:1)
Goals: Azpilicueta, 38 (0:1); Javi Puado, 71 (penalty) (1:1)

Espanyol: García Jo.; Kumbulla; Cabrera L.; Gonzalez U. (Calero F., 84); Král (Edu Expósito, 62); Serrano Carlos; El Hilali; Lozano P. (Véliz, 46); Jofre Carreras (Roca, 62); Jaen R. (Milla P., 78); Javi Puado (Aguado, 90)
Bench: Pacheco; Fortuno; Sergi Gomez; Tejero; Cheddira
Yellow Cards: Kumbulla 21; Véliz 73

Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Azpilicueta (Reinildo, 81); Lenglet; Le Normand (Gimenez Jose, 28); Gallagher C. (Riquelme R., 81); Barrios P.; Llorente M.; Lino (De Paul, 46); Griezmann; Sørloth (Álvarez Jul., 64); Simeone G-o (Molina N., 64)
Bench: Musso; Gomis Aleman; Galán J.; Lemar; Witsel
Yellow Cards: Gimenez Jose 90