- The last 5 meetings between Espanyol and Atletico have ended even with W1, D3, L1.
- Espanyol have lost their last two matches, conceding 2+ goals on both occasions.
- Atletico Madrid have won their last 3 matches, while Espanyol have won just 1 of their last 5.
Atletico have a bit more to give
With 16 points from 7 matches, Atletico are 2nd in LaLiga 2026-2027, while Espanyol have 8 from 8 and are 11th as we head into the weekend. Both sides have had their fair share of ups and downs, but Atletico have found their groove over the past month and now appear to be a cut above.
Los Colchoneros beat Osasuna 4-0 in their most recent home game before they dispatched Real Madrid 2-1 at home. It would be surprising if Atletico Madrid dropped this fixture against 11th-placed Espanyol, especially considering their superior form and quality across the park.
Turnovers and wide areas could tell the tale
Espanyol are a compact 4-2-3-1 side who like to stay organized and spring counterattacks. Oscar Fernandez has done a fine job at Atletico since he took over in July 2021, although the Atletico side he manages are far more rigid in their 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 shape and look to do maximum damage in vertical transitions. As such, these two teams aren't exactly set up to play each other in a positive way and that could lead to some turnovers and battles out wide to dictate the rhythm of the game. Atletico Madrid are more capable of taking advantage of these moments and they also have more reliable end-product in the final third with Jonathan David scoring 3 of their last 10 goals and Alejandro Baena providing a steady output of 4 goals in 7 LaLiga appearances.
Atletico can’t be opposed at odds-on
Los Colchoneros are the 87/100 favourites for this Saturday's matchup against Espanyol, who are priced at 14/5, while the draw comes in at 27/10.
Manolo Gonzalez has done a steady job since his appointment in March 2024 with Espanyol often looking compact and organised as Javi Hernandez pulls the strings from deep with 4 assists in 7 matches.
However, Atletico have a little bit more to offer and this fixture has been very even in the last five meetings, with Atletico winning 4-2 here last time out, but failing to win any of their previous 3 away meetings with the Pericos.
The match betting odds reflect the form of the sides well, but Atletico look a little short and a slight preference for the home side could prove profitable. Roberto Fernandez is Espanyol's biggest threat with 6 goals in 7 games in the league, 3 of which have come in the past 5 matches.
As a result, we will side with over 2.5 goals in this one at 4/5 as Atletico look to keep their winning momentum going and Espanyol look to improve their form.
