Diego Simeone’s side dominated possession and created the better chances, but Espanyol defended resolutely for much of the contest. Just when the home side appeared set to earn a point, Baena produced the decisive moment to continue Atlético’s impressive run of league form.
Atlético dominate but struggle to find a breakthrough
Atlético started on the front foot, with Kang-in Lee, Jonathan David and Ademola Lookman among those looking to test the Espanyol defence.
The visitors controlled much of the ball and worked to create openings through midfield, where Pablo Barrios helped dictate the tempo. However, Espanyol remained organised and made it difficult for Atlético to turn their possession into clear scoring opportunities.
Espanyol also threatened before the interval. Defender Leandro Cabrera came closest to breaking the deadlock for the hosts when his effort from outside the penalty area struck the crossbar.
The first half ended goalless, leaving Atlético with work to do despite their territorial advantage.
Espanyol hold firm after the restart
Atlético introduced fresh attacking options after half-time in an attempt to increase the pressure. Julián Álvarez came on, while Marcos Llorente also entered the action as Simeone searched for a breakthrough.
The visitors continued to push forward, and Llorente came agonisingly close when his second-half effort struck the crossbar. Espanyol goalkeeper Àngel Fortuño also made important interventions to keep his side in the contest.
As the minutes passed, frustration threatened to grow for Atlético, who were unable to make their superiority count. Espanyol remained competitive, but the visitors kept searching for the opening that would separate the sides.
Baena delivers the decisive blow
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute. Álvarez helped create the opening before Baena struck from the edge of the penalty area, beating Fortuño to put Atlético ahead.
It was a decisive finish from the midfielder, who had entered the match as a second-half substitute. His late intervention rewarded Atlético’s persistence and left Espanyol with little time to respond.
The goal proved to be the difference as Atlético held on for a narrow away victory, extending their winning streak in La Liga.
Atlético keep pressure on Barcelona
The result strengthened Atlético’s position near the top of the La Liga table and kept them in pursuit of leaders Barcelona.
Simeone will be pleased with his side’s persistence and defensive discipline, particularly after a match in which clear chances were hard to convert. However, Atlético will also recognise the need to be more clinical in front of goal against opponents who defend deep.
Their next assignment is a Champions League trip to face VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday, 20 October, before attention returns to domestic competition.
For Espanyol, the defeat was a painful outcome after a disciplined defensive performance that looked set to earn a valuable point until Baena’s late intervention.
Match details
• La Liga: Espanyol 0-1 Atlético Madrid
• Goal: Álex Baena 89'
• Venue: RCDE Stadium, Barcelona
• Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026