Azpilicueta puts Atleti ahead, Puado levels it

Atlético de Madrid dropped two crucial points in the title race on Saturday after a 1-1 draw against Espanyol at RCDE Stadium. The result extends Diego Simeone’s side’s winless streak in LaLiga to three matches, a run that significantly weakens their championship aspirations.

The visitors started strong and found the net in the second minute through Marcos Llorente, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside by Antoine Griezmann. Still, Atlético kept up the pressure, testing Joan García early on.

Despite the lively start, the match soon slowed down. Neither team created many chances, but the visitors looked more threatening. Their persistence paid off in the 38th minute when César Azpilicueta fired a stunning right-footed strike into the top corner from outside the box, leaving Joan García with no chance. It was Azpilicueta’s first-ever goal in Spain’s top flight. Espanyol protested a potential foul by Alexander Sorloth in the build-up, but VAR did not intervene.

Before the break, Conor Gallagher nearly added a second for Atlético, while Jofre Carreras appealed for a penalty after contact from Samuel Lino, but the referee waved play on.

Puado equalizes from the spot

Atlético de Madrid came out in the second half looking to close the game, maintaining control and possession. But as the minutes ticked by, Espanyol began to grow into the match and finally found their chance in the 69th minute.

A foul by Clément Lenglet on Leandro Cabrera inside the box led to a penalty. Javi Puado stepped up and converted confidently in the 71st minute, placing the ball high into the net beyond the reach of Jan Oblak.

Despite their superior squad depth, Atlético failed to produce real danger in the final minutes. Their attacks lacked accuracy and intensity. Espanyol, on the other hand, didn’t create many chances either, and the game fizzled out without further drama.

In the end, Atlético de Madrid will be disappointed with the result, as it pulls them further from the top of the table. For Espanyol, the draw offers a small but meaningful boost in their battle to stay in LaLiga. A lack of firepower from both sides defined a game that promised more than it delivered.