Starting XI:

Oblak

Kept the game level early in the first half with a one-handed save on Leandro Cabrera from a corner. Quickly went to ground and blocked both Sergi Darder and Raúl de Tomás’s efforts. Either side of these saves, Yannick Carrasco gave Atlético Madrid the lead. The keeper was unable to control a free kick from De Tomás in the 74th minute and conceded the tying goal, but he looked assured otherwise. —7

Lodi

Worked his way up the field with little success in the first half, but continued to grow into the match in the second. His connection with Carrasco and Antoine Griezmann on the left caused problems for Espanyol in transition. —5.5

Felipe

The Brazilian searched for opportunities to make a defensive intervention throughout the match. He cleared the ball well and passed accurately, if uncomfortably. He picked up a yellow card in the first half, which means he will miss the next match against Granada. —5

Savić

Frequently looked to break lines in the midfield and send the ball up toward the strikers. The defender was beaten by De Tomás in the second half, which forced a save out of Oblak, and he received a yellow later on. —5

Vrsaljko

Before being subbed off at halftime, the Croatian connected reasonably well with Marcos Llorente and his crossing was decent. On the defensive end, Vrsaljko blocked more than one attempted cross into the box. —5.5

Lemar

Found trouble getting into the game and playing at his preferred speed. Atlético confirmed post-match that he suffered another muscle injury after leaving the match in tears at halftime. —4.5

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Kondogbia

Created the best chance of the first half with a lofted ball toward a running João Félix. His defensive work was stellar as the game went on. Was unfortunate to receive a second yellow card in the second half, as he was called for a handball while sliding to block a Darder shot. It ruined a strong showing from the midfielder. —4.5

Koke

Besides one key pass, the captain was relatively quiet in Sunday’s match. His passing maintained possession, but he was unable to take full advantage of the space Espanyol offered between the midfield and attacking lines. —4

Llorente

Was called upon to be the main attacking outlet in the first half. The Spanish international was fearless, making overlapping runs and taking on defenders whenever he got a chance, which produced opportunities in the final third. In the second half, Llorente did well to defend after Kondogbia was sent off, once he was moved into a wingback role. —7.5

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João Félix

The striker’s best chance came in the 35th minute from Kondogbia’s over-the-top ball. Félix received, turned, and pressed on into the area, but he overhit his shot. Was subbed off at the half with a muscle injury. —5

Correa

A quiet game from the Argentine, failing to make his mark in his 78 minutes on the field. Was subbed off for De Paul. —4

Subs:

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Carrasco

Subbed on for João Félix and made an instant impact offensively. In the 52nd minute, Carrasco’s intelligent run in behind opened him up for a pass from Cunha. The Belgian received the ball, cut it back, and struck the ball off the post and past Diego López to give the team the lead. Carrasco knocked in his second goal from the penalty spot in the 100th minute, winning the match and earning the much-needed three points. —8

Griezmann

Worked well to float into open space on the offensive end and then distribute. Defensively, Griezmann tracked back and hustled hard to aid the depleted backline. —6.5

Cunha

Became the lifeblood of the attack after being subbed on for Vrsaljko. Cunha was given open space to dribble into and then distribute. His efforts created chances and paid off in the 52nd minute with his pass to Carrasco to set up the first goal. —7

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Reinildo

Was slotted into the backline shortly after the first goal. Reinildo made more than one vital intervention for the team and ended the match with two interceptions, a blocked shot, and a clearance. —6.5

De Paul

Came on for Correa in the 78th minute. De Paul created two key passes in just 12 minutes, but also could be seen giving up possession far too easily. —5