In a stunning La Liga opener on August 17, 2025, Atletico Madrid fell 2-1 to Espanyol despite leading through Julian Alvarez’s brilliant free-kick. Meanwhile, PSG kicked off their Ligue 1 title defense with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nantes, thanks to Vitinha’s deflected strike.
Espanyol’s Late Comeback Stuns Atletico
Espanyol turned the game around in the final stages to claim a memorable win at home. Atletico looked in control after Alvarez curled a stunning free-kick into the top corner in the 37th minute, following a foul on Conor Gallagher by Leandro Cabrera.
The visitors nearly extended their lead when Alvarez hit the crossbar after a skillful run. But Espanyol fought back fiercely. Substitute Miguel Rubio equalized in the 73rd minute, sliding in to finish a long set-piece that caught Atletico’s defense off guard.
The drama peaked six minutes from time when Pere Milla scored a spectacular diving header from a cross, arching the ball over goalkeeper Jan Oblak for the winner. This result marks a tough start for Atletico, who had high hopes after a strong pre-season.
Fans and analysts point to defensive lapses as the key issue. Espanyol, newly promoted, showed grit and tactical smarts to exploit those weaknesses.
PSG Edges Nantes in Tight Ligue 1 Opener
PSG began their quest for another Ligue 1 crown with a hard-earned win at Nantes. The champions, fresh from beating Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup on penalties just days earlier, struggled to break down a solid Nantes defense in the first half.
Vitinha changed the game in the 67th minute. His long-range shot took a deflection off defender Chidozie Awaziem and looped into the net, giving PSG the edge they needed.
Goncalo Ramos thought he had added a second soon after, but officials ruled it out for offside. Nantes pushed forward late, creating chances, but PSG held firm to secure the three points.
This victory extends PSG’s impressive form in 2025, including dominant Club World Cup wins earlier in the year against teams like Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. It sets a positive tone for their season, even if the performance lacked their usual flair.
Other Notable Results from Opening Weekend
The weekend brought more excitement across top leagues. In La Liga, Athletic Bilbao edged Sevilla 3-2 in a thriller. Nico Williams scored from the penalty spot, and Maroan Sannadi added another before halftime for a 2-0 lead.
Sevilla fought back with goals from Dodi Lukebakio and Lucien Agoume to level the score. But Robert Navarro struck in the 81st minute to seal the win for Bilbao.
In Ligue 1, newly promoted Paris FC suffered a 1-0 defeat in their first top-flight match in 46 years against Angers. Esteban Lepaul scored early, and Angers held on despite a red card.
Here are some key moments from these matches:
- Alvarez’s free-kick for Atletico: A moment of magic that lit up the game.
- Vitinha’s deflected winner: Turned a routine shot into a match-decider.
- Navarro’s late strike: Kept Bilbao’s perfect start alive.
Impact on the 2025/26 Season
These results shake up early predictions for the season. Atletico’s loss raises questions about their title challenge, especially with rivals like Real Madrid and Barcelona yet to play their openers.
PSG’s win, though not convincing, shows their depth. Vitinha’s role highlights how midfield strength could be key in defending their title, won in 11 of the last 13 seasons.
Looking ahead, La Liga and Ligue 1 schedules promise more action. Teams like Espanyol could surprise, while established giants adjust to early setbacks.
| Match | League | Score | Key Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espanyol vs Atletico Madrid | La Liga | 2-1 | Rubio (73′), Milla (84′); Alvarez (37′) |
| Nantes vs PSG | Ligue 1 | 0-1 | Vitinha (67′) |
| Athletic Bilbao vs Sevilla | La Liga | 3-2 | Williams (36′ pen), Sannadi (43′), Navarro (81′); Lukebakio (60′), Agoume (72′) |
| Angers vs Paris FC | Ligue 1 | 1-0 | Lepaul (9′) |
What Fans Are Saying and Looking Forward
Social media buzzed with reactions. Many praised Espanyol’s fighting spirit, while PSG supporters celebrated the gritty win as a sign of champions’ resilience.
Experts note that early season games often set the tone. Atletico must bounce back quickly, perhaps in their next fixture against a mid-table side.
As the 2025/26 campaigns unfold, these results remind us of football’s unpredictability. Share your thoughts on these matches in the comments below, and spread the word if you enjoyed this recap.
