Atletico Madrid suffered their first defeat of the 2025-26 La Liga season, losing 2-1 to Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium in Catalonia.
Although Julian Alvarez gave Atletico the lead in the 37th minute with a superb free kick, the game changed completely in the final 20 minutes of the match.
خوليان ألفاريز يفتتح التسجيل لأتلتيكو مدريد في شباك إسبانيول#الدوري_الإسباني #اتلتيكو_مدريد_اسبانيول pic.twitter.com/QE0vqSgOvw
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) August 17, 2025
Miguel Angel equalized for Espanyol in the 73rd minute, and while Atletico tried to come back and score a winner, they were surprised by the home side’s second goal in the 84th minute through Pere Mella.
بيري ميلا يضيف هدف التقدم لإسبانيول على أتلتيكو مدريد#الدوري_الإسباني #اتلتيكو_مدريد_اسبانيول pic.twitter.com/APa6kW1UdT
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) August 17, 2025
This early defeat has increased the level of criticism directed at coach Diego Simeone, especially after Atletico Madrid’s massive transfer window.
The Rojiblancos spent €175 million on new signings this summer, totaling 10 new signings.
The signing of Alex Peña from Villarreal is Atletico’s biggest signing of the summer, having been acquired by the capital club for €42 million.
Atletico’s second league match will be next Saturday against newly promoted Elche at the Wanda Metropolitano in the Spanish capital.
It’s worth noting that Simeone has been criticized since his exit from the 2025 Club World Cup in the group stage, and after failing to win any titles in the last two seasons despite his impressive roster.
