Atlético Madrid travel to Barcelona to face Espanyol in their La Liga opener, with seven new signings included in Simeone’s squad, Giménez out injured, and a strong roster of 21 players ready to begin the season with ambition.
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Atlético Madrid is already on its way to Barcelona, where tonight at 9:30 p.m. the team will kick off its 2025/26 La Liga campaign against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.
This opening match is not only the beginning of a new league season but also the first real opportunity to see Diego Simeone’s revamped squad in action. The Argentine coach has named all seven of Atlético’s summer signings in the traveling party, underlining the immediate importance of the new arrivals to the project.
The only absence of note is José María Giménez, sidelined through injury. The loss of the Uruguayan defender is significant given his leadership and consistency at the back, but Atlético’s summer recruitment has ensured the squad has both depth and quality in central defense. To balance the squad, Simeone has also included Carlos Martín, whose future remains unresolved amid speculation about a possible departure, as well as young goalkeeper Esquivel, who will serve as the team’s third-choice option behind Jan Oblak and new signing Juan Musso.
Much of the build-up to this opener was shaped by fitness updates on key players. Cardoso’s ankle was closely monitored throughout the week, but he has recovered in time to be available. Midfielder Pablo Barrios also returned to the group after a minor setback, while striker Alexander Sorloth has rejoined full training, adding yet another weapon in attack. With these recoveries, Simeone now has 21 of the 22 registered first-team players at his disposal. As a result, he has not needed to call up academy players Taufik and Jano Monserrate, even though both spent the entire preseason with the senior squad.
The squad list highlights the impressive depth now available to Atlético. In goal, Simeone can count on Oblak, Musso, and Esquivel. Defensive options include Llorente, Molina, Le Normand, Hancko, Lenglet, Pubill, Ruggeri, Galán, and Cardoso. In midfield, Gallagher, Koke, Barrios, Giuliano, Almada, and Baena provide a mixture of grit, energy, and creativity. The attack looks particularly strong with Julián Álvarez, Griezmann, Raspadori, Sorloth, and Carlos Martín all competing for minutes.
This match carries added weight because it is not only about securing three points but also about making a statement. Atlético enters the season with a blend of experience and fresh energy, aiming to reassert itself as a true contender for the league title. The summer signings were not brought in to simply strengthen the bench they are expected to play pivotal roles. Julián Álvarez brings mobility and creativity from his Manchester City experience, Conor Gallagher adds intensity and box-to-box dynamism, Giacomo Raspadori offers attacking versatility, while defenders like Le Normand, Hancko, and Lenglet provide options to reinforce Simeone’s traditionally solid back line. Pubill, meanwhile, represents an investment in the future.
Espanyol, however, will not be an easy opponent. Playing at home, they will look to frustrate Atlético’s rhythm, capitalize on the early-season adjustment period of Simeone’s team, and seize momentum with their own fans behind them. For Atlético, this means intensity and concentration from the very first minute.
Simeone’s approach is well-known: defensive discipline, relentless pressing, and swift transitions. Yet with this refreshed squad, there is also potential for evolution. Creative midfielders like Almada and Baena, combined with the technical ability of Álvarez and the presence of Griezmann, offer Atlético the chance to combine steel with flair. For the fans, this match is not only about the scoreline but also about glimpsing how these different styles can blend under El Cholo’s leadership.
Beyond tonight, the stakes are high. Atlético’s ambition this season goes beyond securing Champions League football. The investment made in the summer signals that the club expects to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona directly for the La Liga crown, while also pushing for a deep run in the Champions League. Early results will be crucial to building momentum and confidence, particularly for the new signings who must adapt quickly to Simeone’s demanding system.
Historically, matches between Atlético and Espanyol have been competitive, often decided by small details. Espanyol will see this game as an opportunity to test themselves against one of Spain’s elite sides, while Atlético will aim to assert dominance and demonstrate that their squad renewal is already bearing fruit.
In short, tonight’s game is far more than a routine league opener. It is the first test of Atlético’s new project, a showcase for their summer reinforcements, and a chance for Simeone’s men to send a clear message: Atlético Madrid intends to fight for everything this season.
Updated: 05:42, 17 Aug 2025
