Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid Statistical Preview, Line-Ups, TV Channels & Streaming

Espanyol and Atlético Madrid open their La Liga campaigns in what promises to be a tactical battle at the RCDE Stadium on 17th August 2025, kicking off at 20:30 GMT. Both sides come into this fixture with differing pre-season form and contrasting recent histories in their head-to-head meetings. While Espanyol have shown signs of defensive resilience in friendlies, Atlético Madrid’s well-drilled style and sharp attacking combinations make them a dangerous opponent from the first whistle.

Espanyol ended last season with mixed fortunes, winning against Las Palmas but falling short against Osasuna and Barcelona. Their pre-season saw encouraging victories over Union Berlin and Wolfsburg, keeping clean sheets in both, suggesting some improvement in their defensive organisation. However, they’ll need more than that to contain a physically imposing and technically sharp Atlético Madrid side. The visitors, led by their tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 setup, have enjoyed morale-boosting wins against Botafogo and Seattle Sounders, along with a recent victory over Newcastle United, but also tasted defeat against Porto and PSG.

Historically, this fixture has been tightly contested, with three draws in the last five meetings, often settled by fine margins. Espanyol will take heart from earning a 1-1 draw the last time these two met in March, but Atlético’s track record of grinding out results, coupled with their deeper squad options, suggests the away side may have the edge. For fans, this match will be a fascinating test of early-season sharpness and tactical discipline.

Espanyol’s main team news is the absence of Javi Hernández due to injury. The summer signing is yet to debut, leaving the defence slightly lighter in depth. Atlético Madrid, meanwhile, have only one injury concern, with José María Giménez doubtful, but they could hand debuts to new arrivals Alex Baena, David Hancko, and Johnny Cardoso.

The tactical contrast will be key. Espanyol’s 4-4-2 offers width and defensive stability but can be vulnerable between the lines, something Atlético’s advanced midfield trio will look to exploit. Atlético’s pressing structure and ability to break quickly could cause issues, especially if Espanyol’s midfield is pinned deep. With both sides eager to make a strong start, expect a competitive, physical contest decided by moments of quality in the final third.

Kick-off is at 20:30 GMT, and fans worldwide have plenty of viewing options listed above to follow every moment. This one has all the ingredients of a tense La Liga opener.

Possible Line-ups

Espanyol (4-4-2): Dmitrovic – Hilali, Cabrera, Lozano, Sánchez – Romero, Rubio, Expósito, Roca – Puado, Fernández

Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): Oblak – Ruggeri, Hancko, Cardoso, Normand – Barrios, Llorente – Almada, Baena, Alvarez – Simeone

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📉 Espanyol Form

Result	Opponent	Score	Date	Competition
✅	1. FC Union Berlin	0 – 1	Aug 2, 2025	Club Friendly
✅	VfL Wolfsburg	0 – 1	Jul 30, 2025	Club Friendly
✅	Las Palmas	2 – 0	May 24, 2025	Spanish La Liga
❌	Osasuna	2 – 0	May 18, 2025	Spanish La Liga
❌	Barcelona	0 – 2	May 15, 2025	Spanish La Liga

📉 Atlético Madrid Form

Result	Opponent	Score	Date	Competition
✅	Newcastle United	0 – 2	Aug 9, 2025	Club Friendly
❌	FC Porto	1 – 0	Aug 3, 2025	Club Friendly
✅	Botafogo	1 – 0	Jun 23, 2025	Club World Cup
✅	Seattle Sounders FC	1 – 3	Jun 19, 2025	Club World Cup
❌	Paris Saint-Germain	4 – 0	Jun 15, 2025	Club World Cup

🤝 Head To Head

Home	Score	Away	Date	Competition
Espanyol	1 – 1	Atlético Madrid	Mar 29, 2025	Spanish La Liga
Atlético Madrid	0 – 0	Espanyol	Aug 28, 2024	Spanish La Liga
Espanyol	3 – 3	Atlético Madrid	May 24, 2023	Spanish La Liga
Atlético Madrid	1 – 1	Espanyol	Nov 6, 2022	Spanish La Liga
Atlético Madrid	2 – 1	Espanyol	Apr 17, 2022	Spanish La Liga

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📺 TV Listings / Streaming

Country	Channel(s)
Great Britain	Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV, Premier Sports 1
Spain	Movistar+, M+ LaLiga TV, LaLiga TV Bar HD, Movistar Plus+
USA	ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Australia	beIN Sports Connect, beIN SPORTS 3
Canada	TSN+
France	beIN SPORTS CONNECT, myCANAL, beIN Sports 1
Italy	DAZN Italia, SKY Go Italia, 214 DAZN Zona
Germany	DAZN Germany, Sky Go, WOW, DAZN1 Germany
Japan	DAZN Japan, U-NEXT
India	FanCode