The result moves Atletico to within two points of Barcelona, who were scheduled to face Real Betis later in the weekend. This victory marks the sixth consecutive win across all competitions for the Rojiblancos, highlighting their current momentum as they continue to apply pressure at the top of the table.
A Tactical Battle Decided in the Final Moments
The match proved to be a defensive struggle for much of the evening, with both teams finding clear-cut opportunities difficult to come by. Espanyol threatened early when Leandro Cabrera struck the crossbar in the first half, while Atletico’s Marcos Llorente saw a long-range effort hit the same woodwork shortly after the hour mark.
As the game approached its conclusion, Atletico’s persistence paid off. Substitute Julian Alvarez, who has been working to regain his form, provided the assist for Baena’s fifth league goal of the season. Following the strike, Baena celebrated by embracing coach Diego Simeone on the touchline. The visitors were forced to remain alert until the final whistle, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak producing a crucial save in stoppage time to deny Pol Lozano and preserve the clean sheet.
Simeone Praises Baena’s Resurgence
Reflecting on the match, Baena acknowledged the difficulty of breaking down the Espanyol defense, noting the team's collective belief in playing until the final whistle. Simeone was quick to praise the midfielder’s recent development, particularly highlighting the impact of his summer success with the Spanish national team.
The manager noted that while Baena faced challenges with injuries last season, his recent performances reflect a player with newfound confidence and strength. The match also saw the return of Espanyol captain Javi Puado, who made his first appearance since January following a long-term knee injury. For Atletico, the victory keeps them firmly in the title race as they look ahead to their next fixtures, while fourth-placed Real Madrid prepare to host Sevilla on Sunday.
