Espanyol vs. Atlético: A Grudge Match Fueled by Phantom Goal Fury!

The RCDE Stadium is set to host a LaLiga EA Sports clash dripping with animosity as Espanyol welcomes Atlético Madrid on March 29, 2025. The fixture marks the first encounter between the two sides at this venue since a scandalous incident 675 days prior – a 'ghost goal' awarded to Antoine Griezmann that continues to haunt Espanyol.

In that fateful match, with Atlético already leading 1-0, Griezmann fired a shot that Espanyol's keeper Fernando Pacheco appeared to save. However, referee Mario Melero López, influenced by VAR, signaled a goal, triggering a furious response.

"It hurts me that there isn't a clear image from the end line showing exactly if the ball enters or not," lamented then-Espanyol coach Luis García.

Espanyol formally contested the match, demanding its annulment, a request even Atlético's Diego Simeone found understandable. Despite the appeals, the goal stood. Relegated to the second division, Espanyol pursued legal action, with court findings revealing VAR presented images that didn't conclusively prove the goal while withholding evidence suggesting otherwise.

Now back in LaLiga EA Sports, Espanyol eyes this match not just for points but as an opportunity to exorcise the demons of that 'robbery'. While Atlético, with key players like Julián and De Paul possibly rested, aims to solidify their title contention, Espanyol seeks to leverage their home form and the goalkeeping prowess of Joan García to avenge the injustice.

Can Espanyol channel their lingering resentment into a triumphant performance? Or will Atlético Madrid once again leave the RCDE Stadium with the spoils, deepening the wounds of the past? The stage is set for a fiery encounter.