Atlético Madrid Vs Espanyol: Sørloth Soars as Atlético Ease Past Espanyol in Six-Goal Thriller

Atlético Madrid Vs Espanyol produced a 4-2 win for the hosts in a high-drama match at the Metropolitano, a result that returned Atlético to winning ways and featured a two-goal haul for Alexander Sørloth. The scoreline matters for league positioning and confirmed a surge from the home side after an early shock.

Atlético Madrid Vs Espanyol — match summary

Atlético came from behind to dispatch RCD Espanyol 4-2 at the Estadio Metropolitano on Saturday night. One account places Espanyol's early opener just under five minutes in, with Tyrhys Dolan driving forward and pulling back a near-post cross that Jofre Carreras finished; another account notes the visitors were ahead after six minutes, having caught Atlético on the break. Atlético’s leveller arrived when Marcos Llorente supplied Alexander Sørloth at the back post for a volley to bring the hosts level midway through the first half.

Second-half surge and key goals

The second half tilted decisively in Atlético’s favour. Alex Baena’s involvement led to Giuliano Simeone arriving late in the box to drill in what was described as his first home league strike in 10 months. Ademola Lookman then extended the lead with a full-length diving header just prior to the hour mark and was immediately replaced by Julián Álvarez. Sørloth later doubled his tally with a towering header with roughly 20 minutes left, and Espanyol’s Edu Expósito added a late consolation roughly 10 minutes from time.

Goals timeline

• Espanyol opener: Jofre Carreras (near-post finish from Tyrhys Dolan cross) — just under five minutes in / another account says six minutes.
• Atlético equaliser: Alexander Sørloth (volley from Marcos Llorente assist) — midway through first half.
• Atlético go-ahead: Giuliano Simeone (late run, drilled finish) — early in second half; first home league strike in 10 months.
• Atlético third: Ademola Lookman (full-length diving header) — just before the hour; subbed immediately for Julián Álvarez.
• Atlético fourth: Alexander Sørloth (towering header) — with about 20 minutes left; earlier Sørloth shot had cannoned off the inside of the post.
• Espanyol consolation: Edu Expósito — approximately 10 minutes from time.

Player ratings and individual takeaways

Jan Oblak received a lower mark after conceding two goals; observers noted one finish was a strange attempt that an in-form Oblak might have saved and the other a well-hit strike from an area any keeper would be disappointed to be beaten from, leaving Oblak with limited chances to amend his performance (rating 5). Marcos Llorente was applauded when substituted on 74 minutes; after a shaky start in which he saw Jofre Carreras sneak behind for the opener, Llorente impressed by creating the equaliser and by his work down the right (rating 7).

Matteo Ruggeri provided two assists — a corner flick-on for Lookman and a cross for Sørloth — and showed a strong understanding with the striker (rating 7). Marc Pubill delivered tidy passing in the first half after an irregular outing earlier in the week (rating 7). Dávid Hancko stood out for his ball-playing and came close to scoring after joining a sequence of one-two passes (rating 7). Giuliano Simeone was credited with a much-needed goal and a tidy finish under Marko Dmitrović (rating 7). Johnny Cardoso was described as the ultimate utility midfielder when asked to sit in the space between defence and creative players and allows his manager to make tactical adjustments; further detail is unclear in the provided context.

Chances missed, rebounds and moments of quality

Cyril Ngonge had an exquisite side-foot volley that struck the crossbar — Espanyol’s best second-half chance — and Atlético continued to press after that. Thiago Almada failed to convert from a Sørloth pass when chances were abundant for the hosts. Atlético’s general dominance after the equaliser made it difficult for Espanyol to regain control.

Standings, form and implications

The win was Atlético’s first in four LaLiga games and their first victory over the Catalan club in five encounters. The result left Atlético six points clear of fifth-placed Real Betis in one account, and it also left Atlético level on points with Villarreal in another account present in the context. Espanyol remain sixth and sit seven points off Betis. The home victory was described as the perfect response to Betis’ earlier draw with Rayo Vallecano.

Man of the match and closing note

Alexander Sørloth was identified as the standout performer after scoring twice and influencing the attack throughout. Observers noted Atlético delivered a much-improved second half to secure the 4-2 win at the Metropolitano. Details that are unclear in the provided context have been noted as such.