Espanyol Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid 17 October 2026 Prediction

Espanyol host Atlético Madrid in the ninth round of La Liga. The hosts have struggled for consistency, while Atlético have moved into second place with four straight league wins. Recent visits to Cornellà-El Prat have been difficult for Diego Simeone’s team, though: they have gone three games there without a win.

Espanyol’s Defensive Record

Espanyol have won two of their first eight league games. Manolo González’s team took just one point from its last three matches, all against sides in the bottom half of the table. They lost to Rayo Vallecano 2-1 and Elche 3-1, then conceded in the 93rd minute of a 1-1 draw with Malaga. Espanyol have kept only two clean sheets this season, both in wins. They will need a better defensive performance against Atlético.

Espanyol have been more reliable going forward. They have scored in all eight league games, and Roberto Fernández enters the ninth round among La Liga’s top 10 scorers with six goals. Jofre and Kike García remain injured. Javi Puado is returning from a long absence and was in the squad for the last match. Espanyol have already adjusted to playing without them and should still have chances to score, though that may not be enough to secure a result.

Atlético Madrid’s Away Form

Atlético have won five straight matches in all competitions, including four in La Liga, to climb into second place. They also beat Manchester United 2-0 in the Champions League. Simeone’s team has scored 13 goals across those five games. Their away results have been less convincing. Atlético lost 3-0 to Athletic Club and 2-1 to Liverpool; their wins over Real Sociedad (3-0) and Alavés (2-1) both depended on goals after the 80th minute.

Simeone has options for this match. Sørloth has recovered and came on late against Alavés. Koke missed the Manchester United game for family reasons, but could return. Johnny Cardoso missed training on October 15 because he was unwell, leaving his availability uncertain. Atlético may rotate after their Champions League match, although their squad depth should limit the effect on the attack.

Espanyol vs Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup

Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Fortuño; El Hilali, Riedel, Cabrera, Hartman; Lozano, Expósito; Dolan, Hernández, Zaragoza; Fernández.

Unavailable: Jofre, Kike García (both injured).

Manager: Manolo González.

Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): Oblak; Pubill, Romero, Hancko, Grimaldo; Llorente, Hjulmand; G. Simeone, Baena, Lookman; David.

Questionable: Koke, Cardoso.

Manager: Diego Simeone.

Espanyol vs Atlético Madrid Prediction: Espanyol or Draw at 2.13

Main prediction: Espanyol have beaten Levante 3-0 at home, drawn 1-1 with Sevilla and narrowly lost 2-1 to Real Madrid. Their 3-1 defeat to Elche was the exception, particularly as they had a man advantage for most of the game. Atlético have two away defeats this fall, while their two wins came with late goals. They have also won just one of their seven visits to Cornellà-El Prat since 2017. Espanyol have had more time to prepare, so the pick is Espanyol or draw at 2.13.

Goals prediction: Espanyol have scored in every home game this season but conceded in three of four, with both teams scoring three times. Atlético have conceded in three of their four La Liga away games. Both teams have also scored in each of Atlético’s last five visits to Espanyol. The additional pick is both teams to score at 1.80.