Espanyol Stuns Atlético Madrid | OneFootball

In a decisive La Liga encounter on March 29, 2025, RCD Espanyol and Atlético Madrid played to a 1-1 draw at the RCDE Stadium. This score impacts both teams’ aspirations at opposite ends of the table.

César Azpilicueta, the former Chelsea defender who moved to Atlético Madrid in 2023, scored his first ever goal for the club in the 38th minute to give the visitors the lead. He unleashed a precise right-footed volley from outside the box, rippling the net near the post and leaving Espanyol’s goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, with little chance. To be fair, Garcia didn’t have much to do, as Madrid could only muster two shots on frame from 13 attempts.

Espanyol found their equalizer in the 71st minute. Atlético defender Clement Lenglet fouled Leandro Cabrera in the box, and Javi Puado stepped up to the spot for the ensuing penalty kick. Puado’s confident strike revitalized the home crowd and secured a valuable point for the relegation-threatened side.

The match also saw a moment of history as Antoine Griezmann made his 521st La Liga appearance. He surpassed Lionel Messi as the foreign player with the most appearances in the league’s history.

Impact on the Standings

Atlético Madrid’s winless run extended to three matches, keeping them in third place on 57 points. They sit six points behind leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand. Atlético’s head coach, Diego Simeone, acknowledged his team’s setback, stating, “We controlled the game better in the first half, the penalty came from an isolated play, and they scored the goal.”

Meanwhile, Espanyol’s remarkable unbeaten home streak continues; their last loss at the RCDE Stadium was October 25th, 2024 to Sevilla. In these the matches they have won four times, the remaining six were draws. This result edges Espanyol further away from the relegation zone, sitting just two points clear with 29 points.