Baena strikes in 89th minute as Atlético beat Espanyol 1-0

Álex Baena scored in the 89th minute as Atlético Madrid beat Espanyol 1-0 at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday. Julián Álvarez supplied the assist for the only goal, according to Europa Press's match record, settling a La Liga contest that remained goalless until its closing stages.

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The victory extended Atlético's winning sequence to six matches across all competitions. Mundo Deportivo reported that the run comprises five league wins and a Champions League success against Manchester United. Diego Simeone's side had to wait for their breakthrough despite creating chances throughout the afternoon against an Espanyol defence protected by goalkeeper Ángel Fortuño.

Fortuño kept the visitors out before the interval, including a close-range effort from Jonathan David that he diverted towards the post. Espanyol also threatened to take the lead: Leandro Cabrera struck the crossbar shortly before half-time after collecting a loose ball outside the penalty area, Mundo Deportivo reported.

Simeone turned to his substitutes after the break. Álvarez and Alejandro Grimaldo entered at half-time, followed by Marcos Llorente, who also hit the crossbar. Baena later joined the action from the bench and ultimately produced the finish that Atlético's earlier attacks had failed to deliver.

Europa Press's published statistics recorded 71% possession for Atlético, who attempted 18 shots to Espanyol's seven and won 12 corners to the hosts' four. Those figures reflected the visitors' sustained pressure, but the score remained level until Baena's late intervention. The teams had reached the interval at 0-0 despite opportunities at both ends.

There was a significant return for Espanyol as captain Javi Puado came off the bench. Mundo Deportivo reported that he was playing again nine months after suffering a cruciate ligament injury. His return was followed by the late setback that denied the home side a point.

Atlético next visit Stuttgart in the Champions League on Tuesday, according to the fixture schedule published by Europa Press. Their next league match is at home to Deportivo, while Espanyol's next La Liga assignment is away to Racing. Saturday's result leaves the visitors carrying another victory into that European trip.