Atlético de Madrid beat Espanyol 1‑0 at the RCDE Stadium, with a goal from Luis Suárez in the 94th minute that sealed the victory. The match, which was played on the last day of the group stage of the League, left the red and white club with 46 points and the RCDE squad with 34, keeping both teams in the Champions League qualification zone.
From the beginning, Atlético showed a solid and well-organized game. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak, who did not play in the entire contest, only had to intervene in the last minute when Suárez's goal kept him in place. On the field, left back Juan Cuti Romero started after two substitutions and stood out for his discipline, ending the game with a yellow card. Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who also received a warning, stood out for recovering balls and making a difference in the pressing game.
Homegrown striker Dani Martínez, in his second game of the season, played on the left side and maintained the team's coherence, although he retired to the locker room during the break. Midfielder Giuliano, although he did not have his best game with the ball, put pressure on the Espanyol goalkeeper in the 90th minute, which showed his tireless effort. Defender Barrios, who started well, lost spark after being substituted, while midfielder Hjulmand was up and down and received an early yellow card.
The Nigerian striker Lookman, who did not have his best day, failed to dribble or create opportunities, while Jonathan David, although he was not decisive, left interesting movements and teamed up well with Julián Álvarez, who came down to help in the creation of the game and touched the goal in stoppage time with a shot from outside the area. Defender Grimaldo took several dangerous corner kicks and performed well in defense, while striker Baena, although he did not enter with much energy, scored the winning goal with a superb right foot.
Atlético's coach, Diego Simeone, maintained confidence in his squad and the result allows him to continue in the fight for qualification to the Champions League, while Espanyol must seek to improve its position in the table to avoid the relegation zone. Atlético's next matchday will be against Real Madrid, where the team will have to maintain its level to ensure its position at the top of the table.