Lookman set for key role as Atletico Madrid visit Espanyol

Ademola Lookman could start for Atletico Madrid when they travel to Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium tomorrow, with Diego Simeone’s side second in La Liga and five points behind leaders Barcelona.

Lookman’s battle with Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera is likely to be central to the contest, particularly in the inside-left channel. Espanyol have won only two of their first eight league matches and are 12th with a goal difference of zero. Manager Manolo Gonzalez has won only one of the clubs’ past five league meetings.

Atletico have won six, drawn one and lost one of their past eight matches in all competitions. That run includes a 2-0 home victory over Manchester United in the Champions League, a three-nil win at Real Sociedad, a 2-1 home success against Real Madrid and a 4-0 victory over Osasuna.

They have conceded eight goals in eight league matches, giving them the joint-fourth-best defensive record in the division. Their only defeats or narrow results in that sequence were a 2-1 Champions League loss at Liverpool and a 2-1 away win at Alaves, where the scoreline flattered their attacking performance.

Espanyol’s past six matches have produced a 1-1 draw at Malaga, a 1-3 home defeat by Elche, a 2-1 loss at Rayo Vallecano, a 2-0 win at Osasuna, a 1-1 draw at home to Sevilla and a 2-1 defeat at Real Sociedad. Only one of those games ended with either team keeping a clean sheet. Roberto Fernandez has been their outstanding attacking player, scoring six goals in eight league appearances.

The sides have met five times in La Liga over the past three seasons, with Atletico Madrid winning once, Espanyol once and three matches drawn. Atletico won the latest meeting 4-2 at home on February 21, 2026, with Lookman among the scorers. Espanyol’s victory was a 2-1 home win on August 17, 2025. The other matches were a 1-1 draw at the RCDE Stadium in March 2025, a goalless draw at Atletico’s ground in August 2024 and a 3-3 draw at the RCDE Stadium in May 2023.

Across the last ten meetings in all competitions, Atletico have four wins, Espanyol one and there have been five draws.

Key battles and team news

Cabrera, a thirty-five-year-old Uruguayan, has started all five of his La Liga appearances this season. His positioning and reading of the game will be tested by Lookman’s movement, while any space left behind could allow Alex Baena and Giuliano Simeone to combine on Atletico’s right.

At the other end, Roberto Fernandez faces Dusan Hancko and Cristian Romero, Atletico’s established central defensive pairing. Espanyol are likely to need quick transitions to reach Fernandez before the visitors’ defence is settled.

Kike Garcia remains out with a persistent muscle injury and is not expected back until around January. Jofre Carreras is doubtful with adductor discomfort. Captain Javi Puado has returned after a long-term injury but will have his minutes managed. Andoni Gorosabel is back in full training but is not expected to start.

Espanyol predicted XI: Fortuno; Hartman, Riedel, Cabrera, El Hilali; Edu Exposito, Pol Lozano; Bryan Zaragoza, Javi Hernandez, Tyrhys Dolan; Roberto Fernandez.

Atletico Madrid have no new injury or suspension concerns. Predicted XI: Oblak; Pubill, Hancko, Romero, Grimaldo; Baena, Llorente, Hjulmand, Simeone; Lookman, David.