The League
8:00 p.mFebruary 21, 2026
Regular season – 25
Riyadh Air Metropolitan
Referee: Alexandre Muñiz Ruiz, Spain
Atlético de Madrid
spanish
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
3.15
Expected Goals (xG)
1.06
Passing by
570 (86%)
Accurate passes
320 (78%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
13
G
Marko Dmitrović
6.9
22
d
Carlos Romero
5.2
6
d
Leandro Cabrera (C)
5.9
5
d
Fernando Calero
7.0
38
d
Clemens Riedel
6.2
23
d
Omar El Hilali
5.9
m
Jofre Carreras
6′
10
m
Paul Lozano
6.5
4
m
Urko Gonzalez
6.7
24
m
Tyrhys Dolan
6.9
19
F
Kike Garcia
5.6
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Atletico Madrid overcame an early scare to defeat Espanyol 4-2 in a thrilling La Liga match, led by a brace from Alexander Sørloth.
The Norwegian striker’s clinical performance at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on 21 February 2026 was crucial as Diego Simeone’s side fought back from a goal down. This important victory reinforced Atlético’s position at the top of the standings.
Going into the game, Atlético de Madrid were in fourth position, with the aim of consolidating a place in the Champions League. Espanyol, surprisingly strong in sixth, have looked to continue their impressive season and challenge for European qualification. Both teams knew the importance of the three points.
Espanyol surprised the home crowd just six minutes into the match. Jofre Carreras found space and fired an accurate shot past the keeper to give the visitors an unexpected early lead. The goal silenced the fervent Atlético fans.
Atlético de Madrid, however, quickly regained their composure. In the 21st minute, Alexander Sørloth restored parity. Marcos Llorente provided a perfectly weighted assist, and Sørloth calmly slotted the ball home to make it 1-1.
The tie gave life to Atlético, but Espanyol remained resilient. Both teams traded attacks, although the home team began to exert more control. The first half ended with the score tied, promising an exciting second period.
At the break, Atlético de Madrid had most of the possession, but needed to translate their dominance into more goals. Espanyol’s first goal showed their threat on the counter. The strategic adjustments made by both coaches would be critical.
Atlético wasted no time seizing the initiative after the break. Just four minutes later, Giuliano Simeone put them ahead. Alejandro Baena provided the assist and allowed Simeone to get close to his shot in the 49th minute, turning the tide.
The home side extended their lead in the 58th minute. Ademola Lookman, assisted by Matteo Ruggeri, drilled a shot into the net, giving Atlético a comfortable 3-1 lead. This goal seemed to put the game out of Espanyol’s reach.
Ruggeri was again instrumental, setting up Alexander Sørloth for his second goal of the night in the 72nd minute. Sørloth’s clinical finish pushed Atlético’s lead to 4-1, cementing their dominance of the game.
Espanyol scored a consolation goal at the end of the 80th minute through Edu Expósito. The substitute showed good composure to pull one back, reducing the deficit to 4-2. Cristian Ngonge was shown a yellow card for diving soon after.
The victory of Atlético de Madrid was supported by superior statistics. They recorded an expected goals (xG) figure of 3.15 to Espanyol’s 1.06. The locals also had a total of 18 shots with 9 on target, compared to Espanyol’s 8 with only 2 on target.
This impressive 4-2 victory allows Atlético de Madrid to consolidate their strong position in La Liga, maintaining their push for the Champions League. For Espanyol, despite a brave effort and an early lead, the result represents a setback in their European ambitions.
