Back

Match Report: RCD Espanyol earn first point of the season

The team earn a 0-0 draw away to Atletico Madrid

RCD Espanyol's wait for their first point of the season came to an end on Matchday 3, as they held expected title challengers Atletico Madrid to a 0-0 draw away from home. Los Pericos battled throughout the encounter to open their account for the campaign in the midweek fixture.

Coach Manolo González had a serious defensive problem when it came to setting up his starting XI, due to the absence of Leandro Cabrera -one of his untouchable players since he took charge of the team. His forced absence meant that the coach returned to a line of five at the back, with Fernando Calero moving to the centre. Álvaro Aguado and Álvaro Tejero also came in, as part of the changes from the last league match against Real Sociedad.

The early minutes of the action saw RCD Espanyol holding on. Joan Garcia made an exceptional save off a shot by Julián Álvarez, and intimidated Lino into hitting the post off the next attack.

An Atletico Madrid side who had made heavy investent over the summer completely dominated possession, but RCD Espanyol dug in at the back and did everything they could to prevent the home team from scoring.

Clear chances for Alexander Sorloth and Julián Álvarez continued the onslaught, before RCD Espanyol began to threaten the opposition area. Tejero, from the right, created the two best opportunities for the visitors before the break: First, a cross finished wide by Alejo Veliz with a header, then Javi Puado not converting a shot off his teammate's setup.

At halftime, Atletico Madrid brought on the likes of Griezmann, Llorente and Barrios , maintaining the intensity and continuing the press in search of a goal. RCD Espanyol started well with two good arrivals into the area, but went back on the defensive soon after.

An Atletico Madrid goal that ended up being ruled out for offside was followed by a carousel of changes for both teams. Walid Cheddira, who had only been registered on the day of the match, made his debut for RCD Espanyol. In his second intervention he was very close to putting his new team ahead after a good individual play from a pass from Pol Lozano.

Espanyol's effort undermined the confidence of an Atletico Madeid who were not as overwhelming or dominant as in the first half, and earned them a first point of 2024/25.