Atleti make it six consecutive wins with Álex Baena's 89th-minute thunderbolt at Espanyol — the colchoneros are 22 points deep, sitting second in LaLiga and building something real. Next stop: Stuttgart in the Champions League.
Atleti ground out a hard-fought victory at the RCDE Stadium, with Álex Baena coming off the bench and curling home a shot from the edge of the box in the 89th minute. Espanyol goalkeeper Fortuño was inspired throughout and Oblak was needed late to preserve the clean sheet. The win puts Atleti on 22 points, second in LaLiga.
Simeone gave Llorente and Grimaldo a rest, a sign he's managing the squad for the long run. Baena, introduced from the bench with half an hour to play, immediately changed the game and delivered the decisive moment. AS draws the Griezmann comparison — that kind of late-game magic from a rotational role is a serious weapon.
Cholo's post-match comments are a clear signal of how central Baena is to his plans. Despite coming on as a substitute, Simeone singled him out as the player the club specifically targeted. Baena himself said: 'What's great about this team is that we keep believing until the 90th minute.'
Oblak made a crucial stop in added time to preserve the clean sheet. Marca's player ratings highlighted him as the difference-maker. It's becoming a recurring theme this season: Atleti don't need to dominate, they just need Oblak and one moment of quality.
Atleti's sporting director said the club is 'very happy' with Pubill and expects him to stay 'for many years.' A clear public statement of intent — the renewal is on the agenda.
Marca runs a piece on Barrios' journey — cut by Madrid at youth level, now a key piece at Atlético. Good background context on the squad's character, even if it's not hard news.