What's Happening?
Espanyol achieved a surprising victory against Atletico Madrid in the opening match of the 2025-26 La Liga season, overturning a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 at the RCDE Stadium. Julian Alvarez initially put Atletico Madrid ahead with a free kick in the 37th minute. However, Espanyol equalized in the 73rd minute with a goal from Miguel Rubio, and Pere Milla completed the comeback with a header in the 84th minute. This defeat marks a significant moment in Diego Simeone's tenure as Atletico Madrid's manager, as it is the first time his team has lost their opening game of a La Liga season. The last time Atletico Madrid lost their first league game was in 2009 under Abel Resino.
Why It's Important?
The defeat is notable as it ends Atletico Madrid's streak of 15 consecutive seasons without losing their opening La Liga match, a record that was close to matching Real Madrid's 16-game streak. This loss could impact Atletico Madrid's chances of winning the La Liga title, as historically, teams that lose their first match rarely go on to win the championship. The last instance of a team winning La Liga after losing their opener was FC Barcelona in the 2008-09 season. Atletico Madrid, considered favorites for the title, now face a challenging path ahead.
What's Next?
Atletico Madrid will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches to recover from this setback. Meanwhile, Real Madrid has the opportunity to set a new record for consecutive undefeated opening matches if they win against Osasuna. The outcome of these early matches could set the tone for the rest of the season, influencing the dynamics of the title race.
Beyond the Headlines
This defeat could have deeper implications for Atletico Madrid, potentially affecting team morale and strategy as they navigate the season. It also highlights the unpredictability of sports, where underdog teams like Espanyol can disrupt expectations and alter the competitive landscape.
