Espanyol vs Atletico player ratings- Baena’s late strike lifts Atletico within two points of Barcelona

Atletico Madrid players celebrate after Alex Baena’s 89th-minute goal secured a 1-0 win at Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Spain

Alex Baena scored in the 89th minute to give Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win away at Espanyol on Saturday, keeping the pressure on La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Diego Simeone’s second placed side are now two points behind Hansi Flick’s champions, who travel to third-placed Real Betis later in the day.

Spain international Baena fired in from the edge of the box to hand the Rojiblancos a crucial late victory in a tight contest in Cornella.

Atletico has now won six straight games across all competitions.

Both teams had chances in the first half, with Espanyol going closest when Leandro Cabrera hit the crossbar.

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An hour in, Marcos Llorente struck the same piece of woodwork for Atletico with a long range effort.

Espanyol brought on captain Javi Puado, who made his first appearance since January after a long term knee injury.

Julian Alvarez as a substitute set up Baena’s late winner and Jan Oblak’s stoppage time save from Pol Lozano sealed the three points.

ESP vs ATM player ratings

Espanyol: Joan García (6.6), Omar El Hilali (6.8), Fernando Calero (6.5), Leandro Cabrera (6.3), Marash Kumbulla (6.4), Brian Oliván (6.5), Pol Lozano (6.6), Álvaro Aguado (6.4), Jofre Carreras (6.5), Javi Puado (6.7), Roberto Fernández (6.6)

Atletico Madrid: Jan Oblak (7.2), Nahuel Molina (6.8), Axel Witsel (6.9), Robin Le Normand (7.0), Dávid Hancko (7.1), Giuliano Simeone (6.8), Pablo Barrios (7.2), Conor Gallagher (7.3), Samuel Lino (6.9), Julián Álvarez (7.0), Antoine Griezmann (7.1)