Soccer Spain LaLiga Prediction

Espanyol vs Atl. Madrid - Match Preview

⚽ 24 May 2023 - 20:00 GMT +0

Espanyol’s 2-1 weekend victory at Rayo Vallecano renewed their hopes of avoiding relegation from La Liga (LL) just two years after an instant promotion. But they remain 19th and lament a leaky defence, with 12 goals conceded across the previous five LL rounds and no clean sheet against any team currently outside the bottom five since January 21st.

Though Espanyol is certain not to repeat the bottom-placed finish of 2019/20 that brought their most recent top-flight relegation, the Periquitos could wind up as the ‘worst’ side in more niche departments. At least one of those is starting well on home turf, with Espanyol still one of just two remaining teams yet to score inside the first quarter-hour as all-match hosts.

As for Atlético Madrid, they remain on course for an 11th top-three finish in succession after dispatching Osasuna 3-0 on Sunday. That said, six of the preceding ten campaigns saw them take the bronze medal, giving the capital side every incentive to continue proving themselves despite having little other than professional pride to fight for.

A return of 16 goals from Atlético’s previous four wins firmly underlines the sort of venomous instinct that gives them every chance of finishing above rivals Real Madrid for a second time in three seasons. However, they’ve lacked vital fighting spirit after going behind on the road, having lost each of the last nine away league games to see them concede first.

📋 Players to watch: Sergi Darder opened the scoring against Rayo in the previous round, possibly firing him up to make an impact after seeing Espanyol fail to win in his last five goalscoring home league games (D3, L2). But Nahuel Molina could well beat him to any opener here, having netted first in both of Atlético’s away wins posted during April.

⚡ Hot stat: Espanyol has not trailed at half-time in any of their last eight LL home H2Hs vs Atlético.