Atletico Madrid
EspanyolHow did the teams perform?
Atletico Madrid
Espanyol
Match Stats
Lineup
Atletico Madrid
21'
58' 72'
49'
49'
58'
21'
72'
61' Replaced by A. Baena
61' Replaced by A. Lookman
74' Replaced by M. Llorente
74' Replaced by A. Griezmann
84' Replaced by G. Simeone
Espanyol
6'
77' Replaced by Jofre
70' Replaced by K. Garcia
83'
Diving
70' Replaced by T. Dolan
80'
70' Replaced by P. Lozano
57' Replaced by C. Riedel
La Liga Standings - Primera División
| Pos | Team | MP | +/- | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Real Madrid | 25 | 54-21 | 33 | 60 |
| 2 |  Barcelona | 24 | 64-25 | 39 | 58 |
| 3 |  Villarreal | 24 | 45-26 | 19 | 48 |
| 4 | Atletico Madrid | 24 | 38-21 | 17 | 45 |
| 5 |  Real Betis | 25 | 40-30 | 10 | 42 |
| 6 | Espanyol | 24 | 29-33 | -4 | 35 |
| 7 |  Celta Vigo | 24 | 32-27 | 5 | 34 |
| 8 |  Athletic Club | 25 | 29-35 | -6 | 34 |
| 9 |  Osasuna | 25 | 30-29 | 1 | 33 |
| 10 |  Real Sociedad | 25 | 37-38 | -1 | 32 |
| 11 |  Getafe | 24 | 20-28 | -8 | 29 |
| 12 |  Girona | 24 | 24-38 | -14 | 29 |
| 13 |  Sevilla | 24 | 31-39 | -8 | 26 |
| 14 |  Rayo Vallecano | 24 | 22-31 | -9 | 26 |
| 15 |  Alaves | 24 | 21-30 | -9 | 26 |
| 16 |  Valencia | 24 | 25-37 | -12 | 26 |
| 17 |  Elche | 25 | 32-37 | -5 | 25 |
| 18 |  Mallorca | 24 | 29-39 | -10 | 24 |
| 19 |  Levante | 24 | 26-41 | -15 | 18 |
| 20 |  Oviedo | 24 | 16-39 | -23 | 17 |
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion - Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion - Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion - Conference League (Qualification)
- Relegation - LaLiga2
Atletico Madrid overcame an early scare to defeat Espanyol 4-2 in a thrilling La Liga encounter, spearheaded by a double from Alexander Sørloth.
The Norwegian striker’s clinical performance at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on February 21, 2026, proved crucial as Diego Simeone’s side fought back from a goal down. This significant victory bolstered Atletico’s position near the top of the league table.
Entering the match, Atletico Madrid sat in fourth place, aiming to solidify a Champions League spot. Espanyol, surprisingly strong in sixth, sought to continue their impressive season and challenge for European qualification. Both teams knew the importance of three points.
Espanyol shocked the home crowd just six minutes into the game. Jofre Carreras found space and fired a precise shot past the goalkeeper, giving the visitors an unexpected early lead. The goal silenced the fervent Atletico supporters.
Atletico Madrid, however, quickly regained their composure. In the 21st minute, Alexander Sørloth restored parity. Marcos Llorente delivered a perfectly weighted assist, and Sørloth calmly slotted the ball home to make it 1-1.
The equaliser sparked Atletico into life, but Espanyol remained resilient. Both sides exchanged attacks, though the home team began to exert more control. The first half ended with the score level, promising an exciting second period.
At the break, Atletico Madrid held the majority of possession but needed to translate their dominance into more goals. Espanyol’s early strike showed their threat on the counter. The strategic adjustments made by both coaches would be critical.
Atletico wasted no time seizing the initiative after halftime. Just four minutes in, Giuliano Simeone put them ahead. Alejandro Baena provided the assist, allowing Simeone to tuck away his finish in the 49th minute, turning the tide.
The home side extended their lead in the 58th minute. Ademola Lookman, with an assist from Matteo Ruggeri, drilled a shot into the net, giving Atletico a comfortable 3-1 advantage. This goal seemingly put the game beyond Espanyol’s reach.
Ruggeri was instrumental again, setting up Alexander Sørloth for his second goal of the night in the 72nd minute. Sørloth’s clinical finish pushed Atletico’s lead to 4-1, solidifying their command over the match.
Espanyol managed a late consolation goal in the 80th minute through Edu Expósito. The substitute showed good composure to pull one back, reducing the deficit to 4-2. Cristian Ngonge received a yellow card for diving shortly after.
Atletico Madrid’s victory was underpinned by superior statistics. They registered an expected goals (xG) figure of 3.15 to Espanyol’s 1.06. The hosts also had 18 total shots with 9 on target, compared to Espanyol’s 8 shots with only 2 on target.
This commanding 4-2 win allows Atletico Madrid to consolidate their strong position in La Liga, maintaining their push for a Champions League berth. For Espanyol, despite a brave effort and early lead, the result is a setback in their European ambitions.
