Atletico Madrid maintained their challenge near the top of La Liga with a hard-earned 1–0 win away to Espanyol on Saturday, with Nigeria winger Ademola Lookman starting for Diego Simeone’s side.
Lookman made his ninth appearance of the campaign at the RCDE Stadium and operated on the flank during a disciplined first-half performance. He was withdrawn at half-time as Simeone adjusted his approach for the second half.
Atletico controlled much of the match, finishing with 72% possession and 15 shots, but were unable to turn their dominance into an early breakthrough. Espanyol defended deep in a compact 5-4-1 formation and held firm for most of the afternoon.
The visitors continued to apply pressure after the interval, although Espanyol’s defensive organisation limited the space available in the final third. Simeone responded by using his substitutes to add greater attacking impetus as Atletico searched for a way through.
Julian Alvarez was among the players introduced and made an immediate impact. The forward helped to change the rhythm of the contest before combining with Alex Baena for the decisive moment.
With Espanyol appearing close to earning a valuable point, Baena finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute. He produced a clinical finish beyond goalkeeper Angel Fortuno to give Atletico the lead late in the game.
Espanyol had little time to respond, and Atletico saw out the closing stages to secure a narrow victory.
The result underlined Atletico’s patience on a day when their possession and attacking pressure were repeatedly met by a stubborn defensive block. The three points also keep Simeone’s side firmly in contention near the summit of the La Liga standings.