Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 17.08.2025
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Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction and Betting Tips sets the stage for Sunday’s La Liga opener at the RCDE Stadium. The Catalan side barely survived relegation last season, while Diego Simeone’s men are chasing a return to the title race. For deeper insights across Spain’s top flight, check out LaLiga Predictions from XpertStats tipsters.
- Atletico Madrid kick off their new La Liga season away at Espanyol on Sunday night.
- Diego Simeone’s side finished third last term, 12 points behind champions Barcelona.
- Espanyol survived relegation by just two points and have rebuilt with nine summer signings.
- Julian Alvarez is set to lead Atletico’s attack after scoring 29 goals last season.
Espanyol endured a nervous campaign last year, finishing 14th with just 42 points. That was only two clear of the drop, and the relief was palpable. Still, there’s optimism now. The club signed nine new players over the summer, with Roberto Fernandez joining permanently after an encouraging loan. Manolo Gonzalez’s squad looks fresher, sharper, and more ambitious. Their pre-season form wasn’t bad either, four wins from six matches and a spirited 2-2 draw against Newcastle. Can they really build on that and trouble Atletico? That’s the million-euro question.
The White and Blues will rely heavily on Fernandez and Javi Puado, who struck 12 goals last term. Losing goalkeeper Joan Garcia to Barcelona hurts, no doubt, but with Marko Dmitrovic stepping in, there’s belief they’ve patched the gap. The energy is there, the hope is alive. But whether that translates into results against Simeone’s hardened Atletico side is another matter entirely. Fans at the RCDE Stadium will demand intensity from the first whistle.
Atletico, on the other hand, arrive with a clear mission: get closer to Barcelona and Real Madrid. They finished third last season, a familiar spot but not the one they want. Simeone has overseen a big summer overhaul, bringing in David Hancko, Alex Baena, Giacomo Raspadori, and Thiago Almada. That’s a bold investment: fresh legs, new ideas, and plenty of expectation. Losing Samuel Lino stings, but the spotlight will shine brightest on Julian Alvarez. After banging in 29 goals last season, he’s the man Espanyol fear most.
Simeone’s team might look different, but the identity remains tough, disciplined, and ruthless on the counter. They’ll likely debut several of their new signings straight away. Jose Gimenez is a doubt, yet otherwise the squad is fit and loaded. With Alvarez spearheading the attack and Oblak marshalling the defense, Atletico should feel confident. Still, opening games can be unpredictable. Espanyol have nothing to lose, and Atletico have everything to prove. This one could tell us a lot about both sides’ seasons. The smart money might be on Atletico, but in football, certainty doesn’t exist. Even so, the safer call in LaLiga Predictions points toward an away win.
Atletico Madrid to Win looks like the most logical call in this opener. Simeone’s team finished third last season, comfortably ahead of mid-table sides like Espanyol, and they’ve strengthened over the summer with high-profile arrivals such as Baena, Hancko, Almada, and Raspadori. Espanyol, by contrast, barely survived relegation, scraping 42 points and finishing only two clear of the drop. While they’ve brought in nine new players, including Roberto Fernandez, the squad still looks fragile compared to Atletico’s depth. Julian Alvarez, who scored 29 goals last season, gives Atleti a serious cutting edge, while Oblak ensures solidity at the back. Espanyol’s pre-season was encouraging, but friendly form rarely translates into competitive results, especially against opponents with Atletico’s pedigree. The White and Blues may cause problems in bursts, but over 90 minutes, the visitors’ quality and experience should show. Atletico to Win feels the safest bet.
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