Match report
Atletico Madrid Defeats Espanyol 4-2 in La Liga Thriller
Atletico Madrid
4–2
FT
Espanyol
Feb 21, 2026
Atletico Madrid held off a spirited challenge from Espanyol to secure a vital 4-2 victory in their La Liga clash. After conceding early, Atletico roared back with three quick goals before adding a fourth late on. Espanyol managed one more goal but could not force an equalizer.
Key Facts
- • Atletico Madrid 4-2 Espanyol (La Liga match)
- • Jofre scored for Espanyol in the 6th minute
- • A. Sorloth netted twice, scoring goals at 21st and 72nd minutes
- • G. Simeone found the back of the net at 49th minute
- • A. Lookman contributed with a goal at 58th minute
Lineups
Atletico Madrid
Formation: 3-4-3
Starting XI
- 13 Jan Oblak (G)
- 14 Marcos Llorente (D)
- 18 Marc Pubill (D)
- 17 Dávid Hancko (D)
- 20 Giuliano Simeone (M)
- 5 Johnny Cardoso (M)
- 10 Alejandro Baena (M)
- 3 Matteo Ruggeri (M)
- 7 Antoine Griezmann (F)
- 9 Alexander Sørloth (F)
- 22 Ademola Lookman (F)
Substitutes
- 6 Koke
- 19 Julián Alvarez
- 16 Nahuel Molina
- 11 Thiago Almada
- 24 Robin Le Normand
- 33 Mario de Luis
- 1 Juan Musso
- 2 José María Giménez
- 15 Clément Lenglet
- 21 Obed Vargas
Espanyol
Formation: 5-4-1
Starting XI
- 13 Marko Dmitrović (G)
- 23 Omar El Hilali (D)
- 38 Clemens Riedel (D)
- 5 Fernando Calero (D)
- 6 Leandro Cabrera (D)
- 22 Carlos Romero (D)
- 24 Tyrhys Dolan (M)
- 4 Urko González (M)
- 10 Pol Lozano (M)
- 17 Jofre Carreras (M)
- 19 Kike García (F)
Substitutes
- 14 Ramón Terrats
- 8 Edu Expósito
- 16 Cyril Ngonge
- 9 Roberto Fernández
- 11 Pere Milla
- 1 Angel Fortuno
- 31 Llorenç Serred
- 12 Jose Salinas
- 2 Rubén Sánchez
- 15 Miguel Rubio
- 20 Antoniu Roca
- 18 Charles Pickel
Timeline
-
6' Espanyol Goal · Normal GoalJofre
-
21' Atletico Madrid Goal · Normal GoalA. Sorloth · Assist: M. Llorente
-
49' Atletico Madrid Goal · Normal GoalG. Simeone · Assist: A. Baena
-
57' Espanyol subst · Substitution 1Off: C. Riedel · On: R. Terrats
-
58' Atletico Madrid Goal · Normal GoalA. Lookman · Assist: M. Ruggeri
-
61' Atletico Madrid subst · Substitution 1Off: A. Baena · On: Koke
-
61' Atletico Madrid subst · Substitution 2Off: A. Lookman · On: J. Álvarez
-
70' Espanyol subst · Substitution 2Off: P. Lozano · On: Exposito
-
70' Espanyol subst · Substitution 3Off: K. Garcia · On: R. Fernandez Jaen
-
70' Espanyol subst · Substitution 4Off: T. Dolan · On: Cyril Ngonge
-
72' Atletico Madrid Goal · Normal GoalA. Sorloth · Assist: M. Ruggeri
-
74' Atletico Madrid subst · Substitution 3Off: M. Llorente · On: N. Molina
-
74' Atletico Madrid subst · Substitution 4Off: A. Griezmann · On: T. Almada
-
77' Espanyol subst · Substitution 5Off: Jofre · On: P. Milla
-
80' Espanyol Goal · Normal GoalExposito
-
83' Espanyol Card · Yellow CardCyril Ngonge
Diving
-
84' Atletico Madrid subst · Substitution 5Off: G. Simeone · On: Robin Le Normand
Match Stats
| Stat | Atletico Madrid | Espanyol |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 8 | 10 |
| Pass Accuracy | 86% | 78% |
| Offsides | 0 | 2 |
| Red Cards | — | — |
| Total Shots | 18 | 8 |
| Corners | 5 | 3 |
| Total Passes | 664 | 415 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 1 |
| Blocked Shots | 3 | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 2 |
| xG | 2.89 | 1.06 |
| Shots off Target | 6 | 3 |
| Possession | 61% | 39% |
| Goals Prevented | 0 | 0 |
| Accurate Passes | 571 | 324 |
| Shots Inside Box | 16 | 5 |
| Saves | 0 | 4 |
| Shots Outside Box | 2 | 3 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ Atletico Madrid turned things around with quick goals from Sorloth, Simeone, and Lookman to take the lead by halftime.
- ▸ Despite Exposito's goal for Espanyol in the 80th minute, Atletico maintained their composure and sealed the victory through a late second goal by Sorloth.