Espanyol faces a decisive test next Saturday, when the RCDE Stadium will host Atlético de Madrid. The result of that match could mark the turning point that the parakeet club needs to get out of the bad streak that has marked its season. Since September 12, when the team achieved its last victory against Osasuna, Espanyol has not registered a victory and has accumulated two defeats in a row, in addition to a draw in Malaga that left the fans dissatisfied.
Coach Manolo Sanchís has shown concern about the lack of forcefulness in the attack, something that was evident in the match against Málaga, where, despite making up to six substitutions, the team only managed one point before losing momentum. In this context, the possible incorporation of Javi Puado, who has recently been called up and who returns to the call after nine months, is presented as an additional resource to reinforce the forward line. Sanchís has commented that Puado is a mature player who shares his feelings with the coaching staff, and that his participation will depend on how the situation evolves during the match.
Puado has already demonstrated his ability to score in the opponent's stadium, scoring a penalty in the 71st minute of Espanyol's last match with Atlético, which ended 1‑1. His return to the team and the possibility of him getting minutes in the next duel could provide the necessary spark for Espanyol to generate goals again and regain the trust of their followers.
Atlético de Madrid, considered a high-caliber rival, offers Espanyol the opportunity to test its level against a “big one”. A victory against Simeone's team would not only give them a valuable point, but would also help reestablish the identity of the game that Espanyol showed at the beginning of the league. With the pressure from the fans and the need to improve their results, next Saturday is shaping up to be a crucial moment for the RCDE Stadium to once again take control of its destiny.