Atlético Madrid will look to bounce back from their loss against Valencia before the international break. The result left a bad taste int he mouth of head coach Diego Simeone who was reportedly riding his players hard in training, demanding more intensity. Someone knows that while a five point gap to leaders Barcelona isn't an insurmountable lead, any more slips by his side could drop them quickly out of the title race.
Atletico Madrid vs. Espanyol live stream: How to watch La Liga online, TV schedule and more
After a loss to Valencia before the international break, Diego Simone is demanding a response from his club against Espanyol.
Manuel Queimadelos Alonso
Next up for Atléti is Espanyol, a team that traditionally plays them tough. The last four times the two teams have met produced 1-0 scoreless, so another tight defensive affair is likely on the books. Espanyol sit in a mid-table log jam, one of four teams with nine points in La Liga. An upset win over Atléti could launch them up within two points of Los Colchoneros in the table
Key Player: Kiko Casilla (Espanyol)
Atléti’s attack will test the Espanyol defense and thus they will test goalkeeper Kiko Casilla. The 28-year-old has spent his entire professional career in Spain and is very familiar with what Atléti have to offer. When a team faces one of Spain’s “big three” it’s often the man between the pipes that makes the difference between points and a loss. Casilla will need to have a big day, and the more help his defense can offer, the better.
Key Matchup: Espanyol defense vs. Atléti’s set pieces
One of the trademarks of a Diego Simeone side is physical toughness, especially on set pieces. Atléti love to muscle their opponents around, disturb their marking on set pieces and create space to exploit. It’s not the only way they can score goals, but it’s one of their favorite tactics. Espanyol have said the right things in the press this week, but staying organized when the inevitable corner and free kicks come will be crucial.
Atlético Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Alessio Cerci (suspended).
Espanyol injuries and suspensions
Out: Hector Moreno (tibia).
Atleti’s only missed player on Sunday will be Alessio Cerci who is serving a suspension, while Espanyol will be without Hector Moreno as he recovers from a leg injury.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 12 p.m. local, 6 a.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Vicente Calderón, Madrid, Spain
TV: Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.), Canal+ Liga/HD, GOL T (Spain)
Online: beIN Sports CONNECT (U.S.), beIN Sports CONNECT (Canada), GOL Stadium (Spain)
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