Atletico Madrid travelled to the El Prat on Saturday knowing that three points against Espanyol would move them top of the La Liga table.
Atletico had the best of the opportunities in the first period, but could not make the breakthrough with the scores level at the interval.
It was the home side that struck first in the second, with Thibaut Courtois's own goal leaving Espanyol ahead after 54 minutes.
Atletico pushed for the leveller in the latter stages, but they could not open their tally as the capital outfit suffered their first league defeat of the season.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our final live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from the El Prat as Espanyol welcome Atletico. As mentioned, the home side have lost their last three to Villarreal, Getafe and Elche, but a positive start to the season has left them in eighth spot in the table having taken 11 points from their eight matches.
Atletico, meanwhile, sit second in the table, one point behind Barcelona, who drew 0-0 with Osasuna earlier this evening. Diego Simeone’s side have won all eight of their league matches this season, with their most impressive result thus far arriving in the Bernabeu, when they were 1-0 winners over rivals Real Madrid.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won three of the last five, with Espanyol also winning once and the other ending in a draw. As mentioned, the corresponding fixture last season ended in a 1-0 win for Atletico, who were also winners by the same scoreline when they welcomed Espanyol to the Vicente Calderon in February.
TEAMS:
ESPANYOL: Casilla; Sidnei, Moreno, Fuentes, J Lopez; Simao, Abraham, Lanzarote, D Lopez; Garcia, Pizzi
ATLETICO MADRID: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Alderweireld, Luis; Gabi, Suarez, Garcia, Koke; Villa, Costa
So there we have it. No real surprises in the Espanyol XI this evening with Pizzi joining Sergio Garcia in attack. There are also starts for David Lopez and Abraham in midfield. Atletico, meanwhile, hand a debut to Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld, but Arda Turan drops to the bench. The home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Espanyol.
Incase you have just joined us, Atletico can go top of La Liga with three points this evening after Barcelona's 0-0 draw with Osasuna in Pamplona. Highly-charged start to this particular match as Koke dives into Simao, setting the atmosphere. Let's hope for a match full of goals between these two La Liga rivals.
Slight stoppage in play as Godin loses his boot, much to the frustration of the home supporters, whose side have started on the front foot. Not too much to report in terms of clear chances thus far, but the atmosphere is sensational with the home fans turning up in their numbers. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - will be vital this evening.
The first half-chance of the match comes to the home side as Pizzi drives through two challenges before attempting to curl one into the top corner, but it is deflected high and wide of the crossbar. The resulting set piece is delivered into the box by Lanzarote, but Alderweireld manages to clear. Plenty of attacking intent in the opening six minutes of action.
Good spell for Atletico in the last couple of moments with Gabi and Mario Suarez exchanging possession in midfield before the latter looks for Costa, but Moreno is across to clear at the vital moment. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early stages of this match, but there are plenty of suggestions that we will have goals.
Half-chance for the away side as Koke meets a cross from Costa, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Espanyol gather possession moments later as Pizzi attempts to find Simao, but Courtois is on hand to claim the through pass. Meanwhile, both sets of supporters continue to create a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium.
Just when you think Espanyol are starting to take control of the possession, Atletico enjoy their best spell with the ball. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced to intervene following a couple of late challenges from both sides. This is not a match for the faint-hearted there is no question about that.
Half-chance for the home side as Sergio Garcia stands over a free kick outside the box, but his effort is cleared by Godin. Costa is the target for Gabi down the other end, but the Brazilian - for once - is beaten in the air. We are 15 minutes in and Costa has not been in trouble with the referee. What is going on?!
There appears to be a slight problem for Costa as he hobbles away from a challenge with Juan Fuentes, but it does appear that the striker will be fit to continue. Neither side is really in control of the possession at the moment with each exchanging periods with the ball. Still goalless with 17 minutes on the clock.
Pizzi attempts to go alone for the home side as Pizzi collects a poor pass from Costa before attempting to test Courtois, but Juanfran makes the block. Villa attempts to break down the other end, but he fells Lanzarote. It is slightly scrappy in the middle of the park at the moment.
It just isn't quite happening for Atletico in the final third at the moment as another attack breaks down with Costa. That allows Lanzarote to find Sergio Garcia down the other end, but Godin closes the door at the vital moment. Still goalless with 22 minutes on the clock and neither side has looked close to opening the scoring thus far.
Costa - 24 minutes in and he has his first clash with the referee. I am surprised it has taken that long. The striker had attempted to collect a through pass from Villa, but felled Sidnei in the process. That has been the story of the first period thus far. Neither side has been able to find that elusive pass in the final third.
Good spell for Espanyol in the last couple of moments as Pizzi bursts through the Atletico midfield before attempting to slide a pass towards Garcia, but he was always asking too much from his strike partner. In fairness to both sets of supporters, they have kept the noise levels up despite the lack of action.
Costa is warming up as he twice wins free kicks outside the Espanyol box. The second of which is taken by Gabi, but David Lopez is on hand to clear the danger. Javi Lopez delivers a dangerous cross into the Atletico box moments later, but Alderweireld is on hand to clear the danger at the vital moment.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Villa as the Spaniard collects a loose ball inside the box, but he fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Handbags follow between both sets of players as Villa is booked for an altercation with Moreno. Not too much in it, but the referee took exception.
Atletico are the better side in possession of the ball, but they are finding it difficult to break through the final line of defence. In truth, neither side has looked capable of opening the scoring thus far. It is the type of match that could be decided by the odd goal.
Atletico are missing the guile of Turan this evening there is no question about that. There doesn't seem to be any real shape to their midfield at the moment with Gabi struggling to get on the ball. Luis finds some space down the left moments later, but his cross is into the arms of Casilla, who has had a very comfortabl 35 minutes of football this evening.
The home supporters continue to make their voices heard in an attempt to raise their side, but the team in the blue and white shirts are struggling for possession in the final third. A free kick arrives for the home side outside the Atletico box, but Javi Lopez fires his header high and wide of the crossbar following a Simao set piece.
POST! Atletico come close to opening the scoring as Costa finds Koke inside the box, but his effort smashes off the foot of the post. The away side have started to dominate the ball in the final third, but Espanyol remain a threat on the counter.
The home side force the issue with a couple of crosses into the Atletico box, but Godin and Alderweireld have been solid in the air thus far. Espanyol work the ball from left to right moments later before Abraham finds Simao out wide, but he is challenged by Koke.
Costa bursts into life moments later as he turns on the edge of the box before winning a corner, but the resulting set piece is cleared by Casilla. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the first period. Still the two sides remain level at 0-0.
CHANCE! Wonderful work from Costa as he bursts through the Espanyol defence, but he can only turn his effort wide of the post at the final moment. Brilliant from the striker.
HALF TIME: Espanyol 0-0 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Espanyol started the better, but Atletico bossed proceedings in the latter stages of the half. Just a reminder that three points for the away side would move them top of the table with Barcelona drawing 0-0 with Osasuna earlier this evening.
STATISTICS: Espanyol have just shaded the possession with 51%, but they have managed just two attempts to Atletico's three. The fact that neither side hit the target in the first period tells its own story, but Atletico have looked the most likely with Koke rattling the post before Costa dragged an effort wide in the latter stages of the half.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Stuani, Bifouma and Alex. Meanwhile, Atletico have the likes of Adrian, Turan and Rodriguez in reserve. It is a match that could be won from the bench.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if we indeed have one - will be vital this evening. Can Atletico record their ninth league win in a row? No changes for either side at the interval as Atletico get the half underway.
The home supporters continue to filter through to their seats in the early stages of the half. The first piece of action arrives as Garcia collects a through pass from David Lopez, but Alderweireld is across to clear the danger. The resulting corner is delivered under the crossbar, but Costa is on hand to perform his defensive duties.
Atletico's first attack of the second half comes down the left as Koke combines with Garcia before delivering a low cross into the box, but Casilla is on hand to collect under pressure from Costa. Play is stopped moments later as Raul Garcia is challenged by Pizzi, but no action is taken. Still goalless with 50 minutes on the clock at the El Prat.
Just a reminder that Atletico have Arda Turan on the bench this evening, while Adrian Lopez is also a likely replacement should Diego Simeone attempt to alter proceedings in the latter stages. Neither side is really in control of the possession at the moment as each continues to exchange periods with the ball. The attendance, meanwhile, has been confirmed at little under 27,000.
Half-chance for the home side as Lanzarote meets a low cross from Garcia, but Courtois is on hand to make the save. The Atletico stopper answers the call once more moments later to deny Abraham. Temperatures continue to rise, meanwhile, as Costa gets himself involved with Moreno. No surprises there.
GOAL! Espanyol 1-0 Atletico Madrid (Courtois OG)
The home side take the lead after 54 minutes as Juan Fuentes's cross is turned into his own net by Courtois. This is a situation that Atletico have not been faced with too often this season. Can they respond?
Safe to say that Diego Simeone is not too happy at the moment as he continues to issue instructions to his team. Suddenly it is one-way traffic with Espanyol forcing the issue down the left, but this time Fuentes's cross is collected by Courtois. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining at the El Prat.
Atletico make their first change of the match as Turan replaces Garcia, which will mean a switch in formation. This is a real test of how far Atletico have come this season. If they can turn this one around then they will move top of the league. More handbags, meanwhile, as Costa tangles with Moreno once more.
Atletico make their second change of the match in quick succession as Adrian Lopez replaces Gabi, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. You just get the feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals in this match. There will be opportunities for both sides as the match continues to open up I am certain of that.
Still no movement on the Espanyol bench, but I suspect that will change in the next five minutes or so with the final 20 minutes approaching. Adrian is involved for Atletico as he attempts to find the run of Juanfran, but Simao is back to make the challenge. The away side have really struggled to create chances in the second period.
Atletico are turning the screw as they continue to pass and probe outside the Espanyol box, but they just cannot find that elusive pass in the final third. Espanyol remain a threat on the counter with Garcia and Pizzi, but the latter loses possession at the vital moment, before Costa wins a free kick inside the Espanyol half.
Suarez has the ball in the back of the net as he turns his header past Casilla, but the Spaniard had moved into an offside position, much to the frustration of Simeone. Espanyol are certainly inviting pressure, however, as they continue to drop deeper and deeper. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining at the El Prat.
Half-chance for the home side this time as Abraham attempts to curl a low effort into the bottom corner, but Courtois is on hand to make the save. Costa has his best chance of the match down the other end, but he turns wide of the post following good work from Turan. Chances at both ends with 71 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Suarez combines with Turan down the left, but the Turkish international's cross is into the arms of Casilla. Espanyol make their first change of the match moments later as Alex replaces Lanzarote, who leaves to a ring of applause.
The home side make their second change in quick succession as Stuani enters the field in place of Pizzi. Both managers have one change remaining should they wish to alter proceedings. Little over 15 minutes for Espanyol to hold on here. Only three points would take Atletico to the top of the table.
Atletico do indeed make their third and final change as the experienced Rodriguez replaces Suarez. Simeone has played all his cards and now has a very attacking lineup on the field. The away side are in control of the possession, but Espanyol are proving to be a tough nut to crack as they continue to put men behind the ball.
Just a reminder that Barcelona's 100% record in the league came to an end earlier this evening after they drew 0-0 with Osasuna. Atletico are close to losing theirs, unless they score twice in the final 10 minutes. If they are to challenge for the title this season, these are the type of matches that they need to take something from.
A mistake from Alderweireld almost costs his team as the Belgian presents the ball to Garcia outside the box, but Courtois is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Atletico continue to force the issue in wide areas, but they just cannot find a way through. Meanwhile, Espanyol are preparing to make their final change of the evening.
Espanyol do indeed make their third and final change as David Lopez is replaced by Raul Rodriguez. It is a surprise that Aguirre has not looked to introduce Bifouma, whose pace on the break would have worried Atletico. More handbags between both sets of players moments later as Garcia clashes with Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is a lucky boy as he picks up a yellow card before handling inside the Espanyol box, but the referee does not take further action. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about at the moment as they continue to defend their own box. Can Atletico force late drama here? Little over three minutes of normal time remaining.
Time is not on Atletico's side at the moment as Garcia wins a corner for the home team down the right. The resulting set piece is delivered into the box, but Courtois comes to claim before finding Turan, who is felled by Alex. Still time for Atletico to claim a point here as Juanfran carries possession down the right.
It's poor from Rodriguez as the Atletico midfielder cuts inside his defender before firing an effort high and wide of the crossbar. He had options on the middle. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those.
Too many players have been off the pace for Atletico this evening there is no question about that. However, they will come again. Garcia has a half-chance to secure the points for Espanyol on the counter, but he can only cross into the stands. Little over 30 seconds of football remaining.
Courtois comes forward for a set piece, but the delivery is poor and the Belgian stopper has to fell Javi Lopez in the centre circle, picking up a card for his troubles. This one is almost over in Espanyol.
FULL TIME: Espanyol 1-0 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. Atletico's 100% La Liga record is over as Espanyol pick up a 1-0 win over the capital outfit. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us tomorrow for more La Liga football. Until then!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
