Atlético have not always dominated away games at Espanyol

Atlético have not always been an unmistakable favourite on trips to Espanyol. The teams meet at RCDE Stadium on Saturday at 14:00, with the Catalan club seeking to emerge from a difficult month in which it has gone three matches without a win. That run has heightened concern and uncertainty around the team.

For Manolo González and his players, the task is to return to winning ways and make the stadium a genuine stronghold. A positive result could also ease the questions surrounding the coach’s future. The challenge will be considerable: Simeone’s Atlético arrive buoyed by Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Manchester United.

Recent head-to-head meetings lend weight to the view that Atlético are no “bogeyman” when visiting Espanyol. Since 2016, the sides have met nine times, with the Colchoneros claiming only three wins. The overall record across those nine matches is level: three Espanyol victories, three draws and three wins for the Madrid side.

Saturday’s meeting therefore pits an Espanyol side seeking a response against a difficult opponent, but one whose recent record against the Catalans does not show clear dominance.