Overview

• Julian Álvarez opened the scoring with a 20-meter ‘golazo’ and struck the post early in the second half
• Espanyol rallied with Miguel Rubio’s 73rd-minute finish and Pere Milla’s 84th-minute header to complete the comeback
• Diego Simeone’s 68th-minute substitutions, including the introduction of Giacomo Raspadori, failed to stem Espanyol’s momentum
• Debutants Matteo Ruggeri and Raspadori endured challenging starts, with Ruggeri sustaining a nose injury after a mid-game collision
• Atlético’s opening loss highlights defensive frailties and puts pressure on summer signings to integrate effectively