Atletico Madridโs chances of contending for the La Liga title took another hit on Saturday as they played out a 1-1 draw against Espanyol in Barcelona. This result leaves Diego Simeoneโs squad trailing behind the leaders by a significant margin, six points past Barcelona and three behind Real Madrid, both of whom have upcoming matches this weekend. With nine rounds of games remaining in the season, Atleticoโs title hopes are dwindling.
The team had been leading the league back in January, seeming ready to challenge for the title they have secured twice under Simeoneโs leadership. However, their form has taken a nosedive in March. Prior to this draw with Espanyol, Atletico suffered consecutive defeats against Getafe and Barcelona, not to mention two losses to Real Madrid in the Champions Leagueโs round of 16.
Jan Oblak, the Atletico goalkeeper, expressed his dissatisfaction with the teamโs recent performances, particularly following a significant summer investment to bolster what is arguably Spainโs most talented squad. He remarked, โTwo more crucial points have slipped away from us, and itโs difficult to pinpoint why. Back in January, we talked about the importance of consistency to remain title contenders, yet we are failing to show it. The teams behind us are closing the gap, and those at the top are pulling away.โ
Oblak emphasized the importance of regrouping for Wednesdayโs Copa del Rey second-leg semifinal against Barcelona, stating, โWe want to at least compete fiercely for that title.โ
A memorable highlight of the match was Atlรฉticoโs opening goal by Cรฉsar Azpilicueta in the 38th minute. The 35-year-old defender scored a spectacular volley from outside the area following a failed clearance by an Espanyol defender. This marked Azpilicuetaโs first career goal in La Liga. Having played for Osasuna between 2007 and 2010, Azpilicueta joined Atletico in 2023, after enjoying a successful spell at Chelsea, where he lifted the Champions League trophy.
Espanyol, undeterred, pressed forward in the latter half of the match. In the 71st minute, Javi Puado converted a penalty kick after Clement Lenglet fouled Leandro Cabrera while contesting a cross in the penalty area. Espanyolโs result keeps them in 15th place and extends their unbeaten home streak to nine games, a series that includes a surprising victory over Real Madrid.
Additionally, elsewhere in La Liga, Mikel Oyarzabal and Sergio Gรณmez found the net to secure a 2-1 victory for Real Sociedad against Valladolid, who are at the foot of the table.
A record-breaking personal achievement was also marked by Atleticoโs Antoine Griezmann, who set a new record for the most games played by a foreign player in La Liga with 521 appearances, surpassing the 520 games played by Lionel Messi.