Atletico Madrid will be hoping to start off their title challenge with all three points when they travel to Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium on Sunday night in their first game of the new 2025/26 campaign in La Liga. Indeed, Atleti ended up finishing in third place in the 2024/25 season, but were in the title race with the usual suspects Barcelona and Real Madrid for a large portion of it.
Meanwhile, Espanyol managed to finish in 14th spot in the league, but only two points above the dreaded relegation zone. The hosts will therefore be hoping for a more stress-free campaign, and perhaps even a push for a top-half finish.
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Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid prediction: Atleti to be held to draw?
Key stats
- Espanyol were unbeaten in all five pre-season friendlies leading up to this game, winning four of them.
- Espanyol are also unbeaten in the previous four H2Hs in all competitions.
- Atleti have only scored three goals in total across their last three matches in all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Espanyol 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Given that the last four H2Hs have all ended in draws, we are happy to back Espanyol to get a point here. Based on the respective pre-season friendlies of both teams, we are also not expecting a particularly high-scoring encounter either.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Atleti installed as favourites by bookmakers
- HOME: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
- DRAW: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.0%
- AWAY: 8/15 (1.53) – 65.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Atleti have been installed as big favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points away from home. A draw is rated at 25%, while an Espanyol win on home soil can be backed at just over 15%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page, as well as our La Liga predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Pattern of draws to continue?
As mentioned before, an interesting pattern has emerged in the most recent H2Hs in that the last four have been draws. Of those, three saw both teams score as well, which we could see a repeat of on Sunday.
Spain La Liga 29/03/25
Espanyol
Atletico Madrid
Spain La Liga 28/08/24
Atletico Madrid
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 24/05/23
Espanyol
Atletico Madrid
Spain La Liga 06/11/22
Atletico Madrid
Espanyol
Spain La Liga 17/04/22
Atletico Madrid
Espanyol
Espanyol preview: Hernandez only absentee
Javier Hernandez is expected to be the only absentee for Espanyol through injury. Otherwise, the hosts are expected to name a strong starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Dmitrovic (GK), Romero, Cabrera, Rubio, El Hilali, Carreras, Lozano, Exposito, Terrats, Puado & R Fernandez.
Spain La Liga 11/05/25
L
Leganes
3
Espanyol
2
Spain La Liga 04/05/25
L
Real Betis
2
Espanyol
1
Spain La Liga 27/04/25
L
Villarreal
1
Espanyol
0
Spain La Liga 22/04/25
D
Valencia
1
Espanyol
1
Spain La Liga 18/04/25
W
Getafe
0
Espanyol
1
Atletico Madrid preview: Gimenez injured
Jose Maria Gimenez is the only player expected to be out for Atleti through injury. Otherwise, the visitors could also choose to field a strong starting XI.
Predicted lineup: Oblak (GK), Ruggeri, Hancko, Le Normand, Llorente, Barrios, Cardoso, Almada, Baena, Simeone & Alvarez
Spain La Liga 10/05/25
W
Real Sociedad
0
Atletico Madrid
4
Spain La Liga 03/05/25
D
CD Alaves
0
Atletico Madrid
0
Spain La Liga 24/04/25
W
Rayo Vallecano
0
Atletico Madrid
3
Spain La Liga 19/04/25
L
Las Palmas
1
Atletico Madrid
0
Spain La Liga 14/04/25
W
Valladolid
2
Atletico Madrid
4
Player to watch: Julian Alvarez
Atleti will be relying on Julian Alvarez for goals once again in the 2025/26 campaign. Indeed, the Argentina international scored a total of 29 goals in all competitions last season, and so will be aiming for 30+ this time around.