Our prediction for this Primera Division match:
Espanyol and Atletico Madrid face each other at RCDE Stadium in the closing match of Wednesday’s program. Los Periquitos aim to build on a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, but they face an uphill task against Diego Simeone’s troops. With no fresh injury worries to report, Luis Garcia is unlikely to make changes to the team that defeated los Vallecanos at the weekend.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, recorded a routine 3-0 win over Osasuna in their last league match to overtake Real Madrid in second place. Los Rojiblancos are eager to secure a top-two finish, but seeing that Espanyol are desperate to avoid relegation, the share of spoils is on the horizon in Barcelona. As for the capital club, Angel Correa is pushing for a start, while all Thomas Lemar, Memphis Depay, Reinildo Mandava, and Stefan Savic should miss out with injuries.
Highlighted Player (Antoine Griezmann):
Anthony Griezmann is a French forward born on 21st March 1991 in Macon, and he is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting footballers at the moment. The pacey striker started showing his potential shortly after coming through Real Sociedad’s youth academy and he went on to score 46 goals in 179 league appearances for La Real. Excellent displays in Spanish la Liga saw him become a target for a number of top clubs, but he eventually choose to sign for Atletico Madrid, and that proved to be a very good decision.
Griezmann continued the rich vein of form at Vicente Calderon, scoring some important goals as los Colchoneros enjoyed domestic and European success, while also becoming a key member of the France national team.
Playing as a winger or second striker, Griezmann possesses impressive technical skills, he is a strong finisher and still finds time to work hard for his side, so no wonder he is widely regarded as one of the leading forwards on the continent. He won the U19 European Championship with France and is tipped to lead Les Bleus to glory on senior level as well.
Highlighted Team (Espanyol):
Espanyol are a Catalan club that plays in Spanish La Liga. Espanyol were founded in 1900 and their original name was Sociedad Espanola de Football. In 1901 the Catalan club changed its name to Club Espanol de Futbol. Los Periquitos used to play in bright yellow shirts in the past, but current colour of the team’s home kit is blue and white.
Espanyol’s fiercest rivals are Barcelona and the two teams face each other in the Catalan derby (Derbi barceloni). Espanyol have always been in Barca’s shadow, but it has to be noted that los Periquitos have won four Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup trophies).
The likes of Raul Tamudo, Jose Maria, Antonio Argiles and Mauricio Pochettino are players with most appearances for the Catalan outfit. Espanyol play their home games at Estadio Cornella-El Prat and the capacity of the stadium is 40,500. Los Periquitos have never participated in the Champions League.