In one of the most unexpected twists to open the 2025–26 La Liga season, Atlético Madrid suffered a stunning 2–1 defeat at the hands of Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium. The result not only sent shockwaves through Spanish football but also marked the end of a historic streak for Diego Simeone’s side, who had never lost a season opener under his tenure until now.

For a club that finished third last season and entered the new campaign with renewed ambition and a bolstered squad, the loss was more than just three points dropped—it was a wake-up call.

A Promising Start Turns Sour

Atletico began the match with confidence, fielding five of their new summer signings including Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, David Hancko, and Matteo Ruggeri. The visitors dominated possession early, controlling the tempo and creating chances. Their efforts were rewarded in the 37th minute when Julián Álvarez curled a sublime free kick into the top corner, giving Atletico a deserved 1–0 lead.

Álvarez nearly doubled the lead just before the hour mark, rattling the post with a powerful strike. At that point, Atletico looked firmly in control, dictating play and keeping Espanyol pinned back. But football, as Simeone himself noted post-match, is “wonderful”—and cruelly unpredictable.

Espanyol’s Late Surge

Espanyol, who had been largely passive for much of the match, found their rhythm in the final 20 minutes. In the 73rd minute, Miguel Rubio capitalized on a set-piece opportunity, slotting home the equalizer and igniting the home crowd. Just ten minutes later, substitute Pere Milla rose above the Atletico defense to head in Omar El Hilali’s cross, completing a dramatic comeback and sealing all three points for the hosts.

The turnaround was swift and brutal. Atletico, who had controlled 58 percent of possession and attempted 15 shots to Espanyol’s nine, were left stunned as the final whistle blew.

Simeone’s Reaction: “A Learning Experience”

Diego Simeone, visibly frustrated but composed, took full responsibility for the defeat. “The result hurts us,” he admitted. “But I, starting the season, need to hold on to the very good things that were seen. We need to be more efficient”.

Simeone’s substitutions, including the introduction of Pablo Barrios and club captain Koke at halftime, were aimed at maintaining control and injecting fresh energy. However, the team’s inability to convert chances and defend set pieces proved costly.

“It’s part of the journey,” Simeone reflected. “This result hurts us, but it can also make us improve and grow. I’ll focus on the good things the team did, and we’ll try to reduce the deficiencies that we saw”.

A Historic Defeat

The loss was more than just a poor start—it was historic. Atletico had not lost a La Liga opener since 2009, when they fell 3–0 to Malaga. Under Simeone, they had gone 15 consecutive seasons without defeat on Matchday One, a record that now ends in Cornella.

Even more striking is the manner of the defeat. Atletico had taken the lead, controlled the game, and looked poised to cruise to victory. Yet, they conceded twice in the final 17 minutes, echoing a troubling pattern from last season where they often lost control of matches after taking the lead.

Midfielder Pablo Barrios acknowledged the issue: “We didn’t expect the game to slip away from us like that. Surely we have to improve something in defence. Both goals could have been avoided”.

Espanyol’s Statement Win

For Espanyol, the victory was a statement of intent. Newly backed by Velocity Sports Limited, with NFL legend J.J. Watt among the shareholders, the club has ambitions of climbing back into La Liga’s top tier. Watt was seen mingling with fans before the match, and the energy at RCDE Stadium was palpable.

Espanyol’s resilience and tactical discipline paid off. Despite having just 42 percent possession, they made their chances count and defended resolutely. Manager Luis García praised his team’s character and execution, especially in the final third.

What’s Next for Atletico?

Atletico Madrid will look to regroup quickly. Their next fixture is against Elche at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on August 23. With Barcelona and Real Madrid both starting strong—Barca with a 3–0 win over Mallorca and Madrid set to host Osasuna—Atletico can ill afford another slip-up if they hope to mount a serious title challenge.

The club’s summer signings showed promise, particularly Álvarez and Baena, but the team’s defensive lapses and lack of clinical finishing remain concerns. Simeone will need to address these issues swiftly to avoid falling behind in the title race.

Final Thoughts

Atletico Madrid’s defeat to Espanyol was a shock not just because of the result, but because of the context. A dominant first half, a brilliant goal from Álvarez, and a team filled with fresh talent—all undone by two late goals and a lapse in concentration.

For Espanyol, it was a night to remember. For Atletico, it was a painful reminder that in football, control means nothing without execution. Simeone’s men have the talent and depth to bounce back, but they’ll need to be sharper, more clinical, and mentally resilient if they want to challenge for silverware this season.

The journey has just begun, but the road ahead already looks steeper than expected.