Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid
La Liga returns after the first international break of the new campaign and with it, the defending champions travel to one of the newly promoted top-flight sides.
It’s already an intriguing encounter between two clubs who have enjoyed some fine battles in recent years and, this time, one team has a spring in its step after a player considered “one of their own” returned to the club.
When Antoine Griezmann left Atletico Madrid two years ago, there were fan protests as he moved to Barcelona so soon after pledging his future to Los Rojiblancos.
The main reason he moved to Catalonia was to finally win a Spanish league title. It never happened yet the club he left behind did just that.
Now there is an expectation of his return when he re-joined Atletico on loan during the final hours of deadline day – that he can trigger La Liga 2021 highlights and some more sustained glory for Diego Simeone’s men.
Talking Points
It appears the former favourite will be guaranteed a warm reception with the majority forgiving the Frenchman for jumping ship in 2019.
After making a decent start to the season, the acquisition of Griezmann – aided by the decision to allow Saul Niguez to leave for Chelsea on loan – now gives greater kudos to the question of whether Atletico will actually retain the title which is something they have not even gone close to retaining following their most recent title triumphs (1997 and 2014).
This is the outcome Griezmann desired from the beginning of the summer, despite rumoured Premier League interest in his services and Simeone will now have the luxury of being able to play Joao Felix, him, and Luis Suarez together.
He should be a man in form after scoring twice in midweek as France beat Finland in their 2022 World Cup qualifier as the 30 year-old has now scored three goals in his last three international appearances.
It’s a quirk that Griezmann is heading back to Barcelona on his first trip as Barcelona-based club Espanyol – who was promoted back to La Liga after just one season out – look to build on their successful 2020/21 season under the guidance of former Mallorca coach Vicente Moreno.
Espanyol were founder members of La Liga in 1929 and have only ever been relegated five times, and every time they have managed to come straight back up the following year.
They have two points from their first three matches, including a draw with Europa League winners Villarreal, and they have also been active in the transfer market of late.
Manchester City midfielder Yangel Herrera is set for another loan spell after spending the last two seasons at Granada where the midfielder made 82 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists.
He played a pivotal role in Granada’s 2019/20 campaign which saw them achieve a club-best league finish of sixth place.
A good start will become a great start if they can take points off the defending champions this weekend.
History
When these sides met in the top flight 18 months ago, it finished all square as a first half own goal was cancelled out at the start of the second half by Saul Niguez.
Atletico had won the earlier fixture in Madrid with Angel Correa – a man in form in the early part of the new campaign – Alvaro Morata and Koke on target in a 3-1 success. Sergi Darder had briefly drawn Espanyol level.
In the season before, Espanyol turned on the style and won this corresponding fixture 3-0 as Borja Iglesias was the hero with a double following a first half own goal.
Their very first meeting came in 1926 in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey when Espanyol ran out convincing winners.
Overall, they have a slight edge with 16 victories to Atletico’s 15. A further six games have been drawn.
Betting Tip
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Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid | First Half 1X2 Atletico Madrid @ 2.77 |
| September 12, 20:00 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP La Liga 2021 betting odds naturally back the reigning champions against the newly promoted club.
Atletico are available with various odds of 1X2 @ 2.05, First Half 1X2 @ 2.77, Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.38 and First Half Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.25.
Espanyol are further adrift with 1X2 @ 3.60, First Half 1X2 @ 4.30, Asian Handicap +0.25 @ 2.20 and First Half Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.47 among the options if you’re backing the hosts.
The 1X2 draw @ 3.30 and Double Chance – Espanyol or Draw – @ 1.71 may catch your eye.
A re-run of last term’s 1-1 draw will pay out @ 5.60 with the Correct Score options.
I think Griezmann’s return will inspire Atletico whether he plays or not.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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