English:
Espanyol Stages Comeback to Upset Atlético Madrid in Cornellà
Cornellà de Llobregat witnessed a spectacular comeback by Espanyol over Atlético Madrid at the RCDE Stadium, in the first matchday of La Liga. The match, played under the watchful eye of referee Mateo Busquets Ferrer, ended with a score that left the home side celebrating a valuable victory.
Atlético Madrid dominated possession with 60% compared to Espanyol’s 40%, and generated more scoring opportunities, with 14 total shots, although only 4 were on target. Nevertheless, it was Atlético who opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a goal by J. Alvarez, the product of a well-constructed play.
Espanyol, on the other hand, proved solid in defense, although they committed more fouls (13) than Atlético (11). The first half also saw a yellow card for J. Cardoso of Atlético.
In the second half, Espanyol came out with a renewed attitude. Although Atlético maintained control of the game, Espanyol managed to equalize in the 73rd minute with a goal by M. Rubio, assisted by Exposito, unleashing euphoria in the stands. The match became more intense, with several yellow cards shown to both teams.
The surprise came in the 84th minute, when P. Milla, assisted by O. El Hilali, scored the winning goal for Espanyol. Despite Atlético Madrid’s attempts to reverse the situation, Espanyol managed to defend their lead until the end, adding three crucial points at the start of the season.
Substitutions espanyol: at minute 46 R. Terrats came in and K. Garcia went out., at minute 46 Jofre came in and T. Dolan went out., at minute 66 F. Calero came in and M. Rubio went out., at minute 74 R. Fernandez Jaen came in and P. Milla went out., at minute 88 J. Puado came in and J. Salinas went out.
Substitutions atletico madrid: at minute 46 C. Gallagher came in and P. Barrios went out., at minute 46 J. Cardoso came in and Koke went out., at minute 68 A. Baena came in and A. Griezmann went out., at minute 68 T. Almada came in and G. Raspadori went out., at minute 82 J. Alvarez came in and A. Sorloth went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
Espanyol
Titulares:
Atletico Madrid
Titulares:
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