Espanyol 1 - Atlético Madrid 1

Espanyol: Gorka Iraizoz; Jarque, Lopo, Sergio Sánchez (Pandiani 71'), David García; Zabaleta, Edu Costa; Juanfran (Tamudo 61'), De la Peña, Corominas (Jofre 80'); Luis García. 4-2-3-1.
Atlético: Leo Franco; Molinero, Perea, García Calvo, Antonio López; Galletti, Luccin, Ibagaza (Gabi 43'), Valera; Kezman (Zahinos 72'), Fernando Torres. 4-4-2.

Team changes: Espanyol: Zabaleta, De la Peña, Corominas for Fredson, Ito, Pandiani / Atlético: Molinero, García Calvo, Ibagaza, Valera for Velasco, Pablo, Gabi, Petrov.

Goals:
0-1. 47. Gabi. Shot into top of net from outside area which took deflection off Lopo.
1-1. 82. Pandiani. Guided header in from close up after Tamudo crossed from left.

Espanyol and Atlético Madrid ended up drawing 1-1 in a match which both really wanted to win, the former to move away from the danger zone prior to their midweek cup final appearance and the latter to move closer to the European positions. But in the end they had to settle for a point which left the hosts just two points off the relegation spots and their visitors seven point adrift of the top six.

Miguel Angel Lotina decided to rest Tamudo for next Wednesday's big date, but he did include De la Peña in his line up and the Spanish international midfielder was a constant menace with his free kicks. However Jarque, Lopo and Luis García all failed to convert, and the first shots on target didn't come until late in the first half when Leo Franco saved from Zabaleta and Corominas shot just wide.

Up to that point Atlético had only had a couple of weak efforts, Valera and Gabi both unable to trouble Gorka, but with the second half just two minutes old a poor clearance fell to Gabi, who's long shot took a deflection off the leg of Lopo and ballooned over the keeper. Galletti could have increased the lead when he curled a free kick on to the bar and over, but Juanfran went close at the other end with a shot which dipped over the top and Zabaleta brought another good save out of Leo Franco.

Lotina eventually had to turn to Tamudo and then Pandiani, and the move paid off a few minutes from the end when Tamudo controlled a De la Peña pass on his chest down the left wing and crossed in for Pandiani to head his first league goal for the club. Fernando Torres could have restored the lead a few minutes later, but he had been having a bad night and he missed his kick as he advanced on goal. But the last chance fell to the locals, Lotina's third substitute Jofre firing wide from left of goal with the game in injury time.