Diego Simeone’s men progressed into the semi-final stages of the Champions League on Tuesday, but a congested fixture list has left Espanyol able to take advantage of a potentially tired opponent.
Quique Sanchez Flores’ men are in the hunt for a Europa League finish, with their home form a huge factor behind why they are still in with a chance in the business end of the LaLiga campaign.
Espanyol have lost just one of their last six matches in the Spanish top-flight, which currently has them sat in ninth place in what is a tight push for a top six finish.
Last week, they required a stoppage-time goal from Leo Baptistao to beat Leganes 1-0 away from home, but they’ve lost just once in their last 13 league games in Cornella.
Atletico will be without both first and second-choice right-backs for the weekend, with Juanfran and Sime Vrsaljko sidelined through injury, but Koke and Kevin Gameiro are both back in contention.
Espanyol’s home form, mixed with the comedown for Atletico from their midweek triumph could well lead to a difficult trip to Catalonia for Los Colchoneros.