Atletico Madrid were off to the worst possible start in La Liga 2025/26 after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Espanyol.All eyes were on Los Rojiblancos on the back of an impressive spending spree, but

U.S. men's national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso made his debut for Atlético Madrid, but the team conceded two late goals to lose its LaLiga season opener to Espanyol. Despite debuting most of its new signings, Atleti lost its Spanish league opening match for the first-ever time under coach Diego Simeone.

Diego Simeone blamed a lack of efficiency for Atletico Madrid's opening-day 2-1 defeat to Espanyol in LaLiga, though he remained optimistic.