Espanyol vs Atlético at RCDE Stadium: Barça pressure on the line

The RCDE Stadium hosts today’s clash between Espanyol and Atlético Madrid, with Atlético chasing a fifth consecutive positive run in a trip hit by absences for Koke and Cardoso. Simeone’s side arrives after four straight league wins (five if you include the Champions League) and wants to add points before Barcelona plays at La Cartuja, tightening the top of the table.

Atlético’s run, missing two

As MARCA reports, Koke is out with a muscle injury in the left thigh after suffering the loss of his mother on Tuesday, and Cardoso is also unavailable. Simeone will have to reshuffle his XI following the effort against United in the Champions League.

Espanyol aim to bounce back

Espanyol come into the match without a win in their last three outings and are looking for consistency after varying displays in LaLiga. Manolo González has a boost: Javi Puado returned to the squad last matchday versus Málaga after months out with an injury, and could finally see minutes against Atlético.