The blue-and-white team battled back from a 0-3 deficit to earn a point against Atlético Madrid, keeping their hopes alive.
Spanish football saw Atlético Madrid start strongly, but Espanyol recovered and secured a draw in the closing minutes, a result that could reset morale with two fixtures remaining in the season.
Follow the Espanyol vs Atlético Madrid clash in La Liga.
Espanyol opened with intent but found themselves exposed at the back as Atlético pressed and created several dangerous chances. The opening blow came when Saúl benefited from a turnover in possession and fired past Pacheco after César Montes misblocked a clearance, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Espanyol chased an equaliser, yet another setback arrived just before halftime as Carrasco struck the post and Antoine Griezmann converted the rebound. The French forward celebrated after the ball crossed the line following a lengthy VAR review, delivering a heavy blow to the home team under Louis Garcia.
The second half began with Carrasco adding a third for Atlético, seemingly sealing the fate of the match. But Espanyol refused to quit. They pressed relentlessly and, in a surge of momentum, pulled one back through César Montes from a corner, making it 1-3 and sparking renewed belief at Cornella.
There were hopes of a grand comeback when Mill hit the post and moments later Grbic converted a spot kick for Joselu, narrowing the gap to 2-3. The stadium erupted as Vini de Souza nudged Espanyol closer with another strike, while Grbic saw a chance saved and the ball stayed active in the frantic closing minutes. The Parrots then equalised in dramatic fashion, sending the home crowd into an electric frenzy in Cornella.
The final ten minutes were an open duel with Espanyol pushing for an improbable late winner, while Atlético did everything possible to protect their advantage. The clock ran out at 3-3, a point that kept Espanyol in the hunt for survival, though Atlético lost ground in the race for the league title to Real Madrid. It was not the night coach Diego Pablo Simeone envisioned.
Minute by minute of Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid from LaLiga
Press conferences and statements from the Spanish vs Atletico Madrid of the competition
Press conference by Diego Pablo Simeone
“We could have added a fourth goal but we ran out of power. Espanyol pushed hard, and they took their chances. We could not seal the game with the insurance goal and lately we need more goals to secure matters.”
“Credit to Espanyol. We stayed in the game until the 70th minute, and then a team that takes risks and shows pride does not give up. They deserved the draw.”
Press conference of the Espanyol coach Luis García
“It has been a rollercoaster of emotions. We started brightly but they opened the scoring on their first chance. Then the second followed in a controversial moment. I think the VAR system works well, but this instance was not clear. I hope they show us an image where it can be seen.”
“After going down 0-3, the team showed a fierce will to push forward, and we did not approach the game by chance.”
“We have not seen an image showing the ball inside. Maybe it exists; that’s why the club asked for it.”
“I am convinced we can secure safety. We are very much alive. We will fight until the last second of the final game. We have faced top opponents in one-on-one battles and tried every possible route, and I am proud of the players and the fans.”
“What worried me about the 3-3 is that the cold reality of the 3-4 moment hit hard. We had to look for a 4-3, but we needed more order.”
“I have a very disciplined team. We must keep going and steer the ship toward calmer waters.”
“I think it was a wild moment. In the end, a point was earned, but we felt we were better on the night. The start was strong and the response was outstanding.”
Videos, lineups and news from the Spanish vs Atletico Madrid of the competition
Espanyol came from 0-3 to salvage a point and stay alive in the fight to avoid relegation. The atmosphere in Cornella was electric.
The madness in Cornella
Minute 80. Goal for Espanyol. Vini de Souza levels the score, sparking chaos in Cornella.
Minute 76. Goal for Espanyol. Joselu converts from the spot, making it 2-3.
Minute 75. Grbic earns a penalty for Puado. The goalkeeper receives a yellow card.
Minute 74. Nahuel Molina’s shot hits the post. Simeone’s side showed nerve in defense.
Espanyol pressed with consistent waves into Atlético’s penalty area.
Minute 64. Goal for Espanyol. César Montes closes the gap from a corner, 1-3.
Minute 60. The third goal knocked Espanyol out of their rhythm. The blues and whites struggled to respond.
Minute 46. Goal for Atlético Madrid. Carrasco finishes after a finish from Correa and a second touch by Carrasco, 0-3 for the rojiblancos.
The second half begins.
Rest in Barcelona. Atlético de Madrid defeated Espanyol 0-2 at halftime.
Minute 44. Goal for Atlético Madrid. A contentious finish after a shot from Carrasco, a save by Pacheco, and a long VAR review confirming the ball crossed the line. 0-2 to Atlético.
Minute 34. Espanyol appealed for a handball; VAR did not award a penalty.
Grbic saved Atlético!!!
Minute 33. Grbic twice had to be at full stretch after consecutive corners. Espanyol pressed for a draw.
Minute 21. Goal for Atlético Madrid. Saúl finds the net after a defensive miscue, giving the visitors the lead in Cornellá.
Minute 8. Griezmann’s counter opens the scoring for Atlético but the match remains level overall.
Minute 3. Espanyol started strong, launching two early threats toward the away goal.
More videos and news coming soon…
The match begins in Cornellá
These are the lineups selected by Luis García and Diego Simeone.
Summary of Spanish vs Atletico Madrid of the competition
All figures and statistics of the Spanish vs Atletico Madrid of the competition
Source: Goal