Espanyol’s old derby trick offers hope against title-chasing Athletico

The old scoreline still has a sting for Athletico Madrid: Salvatore Sarini’s goal on 8 December gave Espanyol a 1-0 win, and the home side have won the last two meetings by that margin. Today the rivals meet again with very different pressures, and Espanyol will need another stubborn afternoon to upset the order.

Espanyol are 14th on 42 points from 35 games. Yet their points return is close to what their chances suggest: 42 against 43.8 expected. They have scored 34 goals from 38.3 expected, a hint that finishing rather than opportunity has been the frustration.

Athletico are second on 76 points from 35 games and unbeaten in four league matches since their last defeat. Their 73 points from 34 games against 69 expected suggest a side that has made the most of its chances. Espanyol cannot afford to give Abdoul N’Diaye or Mario Cardozo room to dictate: both have been influential in recent games, though Athletico’s expected starters include several tired players. Jake Woolley is the man pundit Robert Pladevall has singled out.

The likely shapes are familiar, Espanyol’s 4-3-3 against Athletico’s 4-2-3-1. Delfí Català’s task in the air looks particularly awkward against Farid, while Hüseyin Göktepe’s pace may test Arnal Freixa. At the other end, Espanyol’s usual centre-back Luca Devine is out with a twisted ankle, and Sergio Villa is short of match sharpness. Athletico are without Garoé Ortí, while Paulo Henrique is fit but not expected to start.

In my day, the provinces made a derby feel like a cup tie even when the table said otherwise. Espanyol need that old bite today: another victory would be precious breathing space, while Athletico cannot afford to let their title chase slip.