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Match Report: 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid
Puado converts from the spot to earn a share of the points
RCD Espanyol claimed a 1-1 draw with title contenders Atletico Madrid on LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 29, as Javi Puado scored an equaliser for Los Pericos. The result takes them up to 29 points from 28 games played.
The team returned to the RCDE Stadium after the surreal experience against RCD Mallorca, and hoped to return to their best form against an Atletico Madrid side coming off Champions League elimination and a painful defeat against FC Barcelona.
True to their style in recent matchdays, RCD Espanyol started well. Settled in defense, they were barely tested except for one save required from Joan García, and controlled their opponents fairly well. Jofre and Romero tried to surprise on the counterattack, while Roberto battled with the opposing centre backs.
One such clash, between Roberto and Le Normand, ended with the Atletico Madrid player being substituted.
The game gradually grew tense, and finally exploded into life with an Atletico Madrid goal. Azpilicueta scored, albeit after a clear foul by Sorloth that the referee ignored.
There was also a stonewall penalty for a foul by Lino on Jofre in the final minute of the first half, waved away by the official, and RCD Espanyol went into the break at a defecit.
Coach Manolo González changed his formation at the start of the second half, bringing on Veliz in place of Pol Lozano. The team were more attacking, although it was still insufficient to hurt a very confident Atletico.
The coach made another substitution and brought on Edu Expósito in midfield, in place of Král. The emergence of the No.8 was decisive in giving the team a new lease of life, encouraged by the crowd. The improvement was evident, and was rewarded by a penalty when Cabrera was dragged back.
Puado was undeterred by Atlético's trickery and beat Oblak to convert the spot kick, making it 1-1.
With a hard-fought point against Atletico Madrid, RCD Espanyol remain unbeaten at RCDE Stadium in 2025.