Overview
After 27 matches in La Liga this season, Espanyol have won 7 matches, drawn 7 and lost 13 times. With 28 points, they are currently ranked 15th on the rankings, only 1 point above the relegation zone.
The Catalan team lost 1-2 to Mallorca before the FIFA Days in March. However, in the previous 3 matches, they have won 5 points and shown positive signs.
Manolo Gonzalez's side are now unbeaten in eight home La Liga games, including a win over Real Madrid and a draw with Athletic Bilbao.
Espanyol have returned to La Liga through the Segunda Division play-off round last season. Therefore, their main goal this season will be to stay in the league. Any position in the top 18 is considered a success for Espanyol.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid's season is on the brink of collapse. They lost their advantage in the race for the La Liga championship, and were eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid in the round of 16.
Atletico are currently third in La Liga, seven points behind leaders Barcelona. Obviously, they will need to try in the remaining matches even though they do not have the right to decide for themselves.
Atletico Madrid are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Espanyol, but four of those games have ended in draws. The two teams drew 0-0 in the first leg at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium earlier this season.
Personnel situation
It will be interesting to see if Simeone will play his South American stars. Players such as Julian Alvarez and Rodrigo De Paul were part of the Argentina team that faced Brazil in midweek. Koke is still doubtful to play, while Angel Correa is suspended.
On the other side of the front line, Espanyol goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco is still doubtful, while Alvaro Tejero, Jose Gragera and Jose Luis Catala will be absent.
Expected lineup:
Espanyol: J. Garcia, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero, El Hilali, Puado, Exposito, Carreras, Gonzalez, Kral, Fernandez.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Llorente, Lenglet, reinildo, Le Normand, Gallagher, Barrios, Lino, Simeone, Griezmann, Sorloth.
The match between Espanyol and Atletico Madrid takes place at 10:15 p.m. on March 29 (Vietnam time).
