Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction - La Liga

The La Liga title race resumes this weekend and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.

Just before the international break, Espanyol managed to pull themselves out of the relegation zone, but remain just one point above the drop – and so there’s plenty of work for them to do in the final 10 games of the season.

Atletico Madrid find themselves four points behind Barcelona and Real Madrid after back-to-back losses – including a 4-2 loss to the current league leaders. Is there any way back for Diego Simeone’s side, or is the gap too big?

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction: More heartache for the visitors

Spain, La Liga, Saturday, March 29th, 15:15 (UK)

Espanyol have slowly turned around their season. They are far from out of the woods, but losses have become draws in recent weeks, while they’ve proven to be a tough nut to crack in front of their supporters.

In fact, you have to go back to November 2024 the last time Espanyol lost at home. Since, three victories and five draws have followed – including a 1-0 win against Real Madrid. Admittedly, that victory was rather fortunate considering the visitors dominated throughout, but Espanyol defended resiliently and caught Real out on the break when they were frustrated.

And that’s exactly what they will be hoping to achieve against Atletico Madrid on Saturday afternoon. They’ve only been able to keep two clean sheets during their eight match unbeaten run at home, but no one has been able to score more than one – if Espanyol can find the net, Atletico could find themselves up against it.

In the reverse fixture, Atletico huffed and puffed, dominating possession, corners and shots on goal – but they couldn’t find a way through. That could be playing on their team’s mind this weekend, especially considering they’ve only won one of their last five away matches.

Are Atletico once again fumbling when it matters most?

They’ve done incredibly well to progress past rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League, but the fixture congestion may have started to take its toll on Diego Simeone’s side. A 2-1 defeat against Getafe having led until the 87th minute was a shock to the system – and perhaps Espanyol will be using that as inspiration this weekend.

Interestingly, the RCDE Stadium isn’t a venue Atletico enjoy playing at. In their last five visits since 2017, Espanyol have won twice and only lost once. Atletico beat them 2-1 in the 99th minute back in 2021 thanks to Thomas Lemar. However, he’s very much an unused substitute these days.

With one team confident at home and defensively sound, and with the visitors struggling to stay at the top of their game, we could witness Atletico’s title charge come to an end against a side they haven’t beaten in their last three attempts.

Espanyol’s current Asian Handicap line is +1 at 1.920, which means even if they do give up their unbeaten run by a single goal, you will be refunded. However, they’ve shown enough that they too can frustrate Atletico and pick up another invaluable point at home.

• Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction: Espanyol +1 Asian Handicap
• Best Odds: 1.920
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 7/10

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Prediction odds via bet365 as at 15:00, March 23rd, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups

Espanyol welcome back Pol Lozano who missed the trip to Mallorca due to his one-match suspension for accumulating five yellow cards. The 25-year-old will no doubt slot back into his no.6 role in front of the defence – keep an eye on the Spaniard in this role, who has picked up 10 yellow cards in just 20 appearances his campaign.

Atletico will need to pick themselves up after their 4-2 loss against Barcelona. Angel Correa will once again be available for selection, but the Argentine will likely have to take a place on the bench.

Alexander Sorloth once again came off the bench to score against Barcelona, who also bagged during the international break. Often used as a substitute first, it may be time for Simeone to start him if he is to salvage their title ambitions.

Espanyol possible starting lineup:
Garcia; Romero, Cabrera, Kumbulla, El Hilali, Lozano, Puado, Gonzalez, Kral, Jofre, Jaen

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:
Oblak; Mandava, Lenglet, Le Normand, Llorente, Lino, Barrios, de Paul, Simeone, Alvarez, Griezmann

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