Hard stumble for the Colchoneros: 2-1

Despite debuting most of their new signings, Atlético de Madrid couldn't avoid defeat yesterday in their first La Liga match under Argentine coach Diego Simeone.

Espanyol de Barcelona's 2-1 victory marked the first time Atlético has lost in its league debut since "Cholo" took over at the end of 2011. They hadn't lost since 2009.

Simeone started the match with five of the club's new signings for the season: Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, Johnny Cardoso, David Hancko, and Matteo Ruggeri. Italian Giacomo Raspadori also made his debut, coming off the bench in the second half.

Atlético took the lead with a free kick from Julián Álvarez in the 37th minute. However, Miguel Rubio (73') and Pere Milla (84') turned the score around.

"It happens," Simeone said. "The result hurts, but it's going to make us improve and grow. I'm left with all the good things the team did," the Argentine said.— AP

The League Results

Two more matches were played yesterday in the opening match of the 2025-26 season in the Spanish First Division.

Celta de Vigo 0-2 Getafe

The blue team surprised the Galicians in Balaídos with goals from Adrián Liso (47') and Nigerian Christantus Uche (72').

Athletic Bilbao 3-2 Sevilla

The new team managed by Matías Almeyda wasn't enough to take a point from San Mamés. Nico Williams scored a goal (36') and provided a pair of assists for Maroan Sannadi (43') and Robert Navarro (81'). Sevilla briefly leveled the score with goals from Dodi Lukébakio (60') and Lucien Agoumé (72').