RCDE Espanyol kicked off their 2025-2026 La Liga season with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against visitors Atletico Madrid in a Matchday 1 clash held on Sunday at the RCDE Stadium.

The first half ended with Atletico Madrid leading 1-0, thanks to a 37th-minute goal by Julián Álvarez. However, Espanyol turned the game around in the second half with two goals: defender Miguel Ángel Rubio struck in the 73rd minute, followed by midfielder Pere Milla sealing the win in the 84th minute, securing all three points for the hosts.

With this result, Espanyol claimed their first three points of the season, temporarily placing 7th in the standings, while Atletico Madrid remained pointless in 16th place.

In other La Liga action, defending champions Barcelona began their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Mallorca on Saturday, taking an early lead in the table. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will play their opening match against Osasuna next Tuesday.