Atletico Madrid spent 200 million euros in the summer transfer window and were looking to start off their league campaign on the right note.
Instead, they were left with more questions than answers as they crumbled in the second half and got beat by an inferior opponent in Espanyol.
In the first half, Atletico took control of the game by creating chances, retaining possession, and finding spaces. They struggled to create any real danger though until the 37th minute.
Leandro Cabrera fouled Conor Gallagher in a dangerous area and Julian Alvarez scored a phenomenal free kick goal.
Julian once again showed up for Atletico and proved why he should’ve been in the Ballon d’Or 30 man shortlist.
In the second half though, Simeone changed both midfielders in Johnny Cardoso and Conor Gallagher in favor of Pablo Barrios and Koke. Barrios entered the game well but the veteran Koke really struggled and this led to a shift in the balance of the second half.
Espanyol started gaining more possession and attacking Atletico more. Atletico created an amazing chance with some tiki-taka football but Julian hit the post.
Then from a free kick, Edu Exposito whips in a ball that was tapped in by Miguel Rubio to tie the game in the 73rd minute.
With the game tied, Simeone strangely subs out Julian Alvarez in the 82nd minute which bites him in the back when Pere Milla’s looping header gave Espanyol the 2-1 lead.
Now without their top goalscorer, Atletico had to try to find the equalizer. They tried and tried and Barrios had a chance that he missed but in the end Atletico fell to Espanyol.
The Colchoneros have a nightmare start to their league campaign while Espanyol have their dream opening game.
