Atletico Madrid’s main criticism after the defeat against Espanyol
Atlético de Madrid lost 2-1 to Espanyol in the season opener, which was a disappointing start to the season.
Atlético de Madrid’s first game of the 2025/26 season could not have been more disappointing. Despite high expectations after an exciting summer of transfers with new signings, the Colchoneros lost 2-1 away to Espanyol – a collapse that has set alarm bells going off in the red-and-white environment.
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The first to be criticized was manager Diego Simeone, whose conservative approach again aroused discontent. What looked like a promising start thanks to Julián Álvarez’s free-kick goal ended up being a nightmare for a club that has ambitions to fight for all titles.
Atlético de Madrid’s disappointing season opener
Atlético de Madrid had completed one of the most ambitious transfer windows in a long time. Names like Álex Baena, Thiago Almada, Dávid Hancko, Ruggeri and Raspadori came in to bring new talent and freshness to the squad. But against Espanyol, the potential of these new reinforcements was lost in a previous tactical approach. The team took the lead, but instead of building on it, they pulled back and allowed the Catalan team to grow strong and turn the game around.
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The criticism was directed at Simeone’s tactical choices. Atlético again showed a cautious game that did not convince either the fans or the analysts. In addition, the Argentine coach’s substitutions in the second half failed to revive the team, and they ended up disorganized in the final minutes. The impression was that of a team that failed to react in time.
This is not the first time Simeone’s role has been put under the microscope at critical moments, but the situation becomes even more serious when Atlético have invested so much in strengthening the squad. Patience with the manager could start to run out if he doesn’t find a way to turn player potential into immediate results. The defeat against Espanyol not only means the loss of three points, but also doubts about the team’s ability to deliver in a season that promises to be demanding.
Demands for a more offensive style of play
Atlético Madrid’s supporters are demanding a change in their style of play. The excitement over signings like Baena and Almada contrasts with the conservative impression the team gave in the season opener. Many believe it is time to develop further and put away the excessive reliance on defensive stability. The team’s offensive qualities require a more ambitious approach, but the Argentine coach again opted for a strategy that proved costly.
The season has only just begun, but Atlético Madrid are already under pressure. The schedule offers no room for relaxation, and the team must turn around quickly if they do not want to fall behind their direct competitors. At the Metropolitano, the debate over Simeone’s model is more alive than ever, while fans hope that this summer’s investment will not go to waste in another inconsistent season.
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