Previews
DOM 19.10.2014
Matchday 8 in La Liga BBVA sees an evenly matched affair between RCD Espanyol and Atlético, the latter needing to prove their mettle at home, whereas for the Catalans it would be a first away victory of the season. Simeone's men have the equally pressing task of getting back on track after last week's defeat to Valencia.
Team news
The rojiblancos coach Simeone has Mario Suarez and Cristian 'The Onion' Rodríguez back in contention. Suarez, a product of the Atlético youth system, has overcome a hamstring strain, while the Uruguayan Rodríguez returns to the group. For Espanyol, coach Sergio González is without Abraham and Héctor Moreno, who are both out injured. The blanquiazuls have the same squad members available as for their last match against Real Sociedad.
View from the dugouts
"Espanyol are great competitors, they keep a lot of clean sheets and they have an intensity not dissimilar to our own," Simeone said of his opponents. "I'm expecting a tough match, lots of breaks in play, and we need to be conscious of the threat they pose." The Espanyol coach, for his part, said: "They're a top team and we'll have to raise our game."
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