Espanyol vs Atl. Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2025-08-16 19:30.
[p]Espanyol open their La Liga campaign with a stern test against an Atlético Madrid side who are looking to overthrow at least one of the traditional top two. [/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Espanyol finished a respectable 14th upon their return to the top flight last season, but the tiny two-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone had them sitting uncomfortably for most of the campaign. That preceded a busy transfer window, and although that has consisted mostly of recruiting free agents, the Parakeets look a much stronger squad ahead of this upcoming season. Manolo González will be hoping his new signings hit the ground running quickly to get them off to a positive start, but given that Espanyol haven’t won any of their last seven La Liga opening day games, that seems unlikely.[/p]
[p]Atlético Madrid have been supremely consistent in recent years, claiming a top-four finish in each of the last 13 seasons. Diego Simeone has played a huge role in that incredible run, as the Argentine embarks on a 15th consecutive campaign in charge of the Rojiblancos, aiming to close last season’s 12-point gap between themselves and champions Barcelona. A disappointing group stage exit at the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup hints that they still have work to do, but after spending in excess of £100m to bolster his squad over the summer, there’s pressure on Simeone to deliver this season.[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]AtlĂ©tico Madrid are unbeaten in their last eight La Liga H2Hs (W3, D5), in what is the Catalans’ longest winless streak against the capital club since 1986. Espanyol have made it difficult in recent years for Simeone’s men though, with the last four matches ending in draws.[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Espanyol have scored their last four La Liga goals after the hour mark.[/p]
[p]Espanyol’s last six La Liga wins have all been accompanied by clean sheets.[/p]
[p]Seven of Atlético Madrid’s last eight goals have arrived after half-time.[/p]
[p]Atlético Madrid have not conceded more than two goals in their last 29 La Liga away games.[/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Espanyol will look to Roberto Fernández for goals after joining permanently from Braga following his successful loan spell last season, with three of his last four goals coming before half-time. New Atlético signing Giacomo Raspadori joined the club from Napoli on Monday, and his last three away goals arriving before the break suggests he could make a fast start to life in La Liga.[/p]
[p]Espanyol don’t appear to have any notable absentees, while AtlĂ©tico Madrid will have to do without the injured JosĂ© MarĂa GimĂ©nez.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]Given that Atlético and Espanyol have each found the net in seven of their previous eight meetings, history suggests backing both teams to score seems like a sensible bet.[/p]
[p][i]Author: James Hilsum[/i][/p]