Pere Milla Inspires Espanyol to Stunning Opening Day Win Over Atletico Madrid

RCD Espanyol began their LaLiga campaign in dramatic fashion with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the RCDE Stadium. Pere Milla proved to be the hero, delivering a decisive late header to seal three points for Los Pericos in front of their home fans. The match had everything: chances, intensity, and high-speed action, reflecting Espanyol’s determination to make a statement on the opening weekend.

Nadie.

Absolutamente nadie.@PereMilla7 con manga larga en pleno mes de agosto a 35ºC: pic.twitter.com/tryPpjQ3L7
— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) August 18, 2025

Atletico Madrid Strike First but Espanyol Respond

The visitors started brightly, creating the first clear opportunity when Hancko’s header was saved superbly by Marko Dmitrović. Espanyol immediately responded through Roberto Fernández and Leandro Cabrera, both of whom tested Jan Oblak, forcing the Atletico goalkeeper into strong saves. Despite the even balance of play, it was Diego Simeone’s men who struck first. Julián Álvarez produced a moment of brilliance, curling a free-kick into the top corner to give Atletico a 1-0 lead.

Álvarez nearly doubled the advantage either side of halftime, striking the post after a well-worked move. Espanyol, however, did not allow the setback to break their spirit. Manolo González reshaped his side through substitutions, and the tactical adjustment paid dividends. Edu Expósito delivered a precise free-kick into the Atletico penalty area, where Miguel Rubio ghosted past his marker to equalise with a close-range finish.

ALSO READ: Kostas Tsimikas Edging Towards Liverpool Exit Amid Transfer Window Uncertainty

Milla Seals a Famous Victory for Los Pericos

With momentum shifting, Espanyol began to grow in confidence as the game entered its decisive phase. The RCDE Stadium crowd played its part, urging the team forward in search of a winner. That breakthrough arrived through Pere Milla, who displayed his trademark determination once again. Rising high in the box, he met a cross with a powerful and acrobatic header that flew past Oblak to make it 2-1.

It was a moment reminiscent of his heroics against UD Las Palmas last season, as Milla once again stepped up when it mattered most. The final whistle sparked celebrations among players and supporters alike, with Espanyol not only earning a morale-boosting victory but also sending an early message of intent in LaLiga’s new campaign.