Baena’s late goal gives Atletico 1-0 win at Espanyol as Lee plays 62 minutes

Alex Baena scored in the 89th minute to give Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory over Espanyol at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona on October 17. The substitute received a pass from Julian Alvarez near the penalty arc and struck a right-footed shot into the corner, Yonhap reported. Baena had replaced South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in after 62 minutes of the La Liga ninth-round match. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]

The result was Atletico’s fifth consecutive league victory and their sixth in all competitions when the Champions League win over Manchester United is included. Atletico remained second with 22 points from seven wins, one draw and one defeat. They closed to within two points of Barcelona, who had played one fewer match. Newsis and Chosun Ilbo reported that Espanyol were 12th on eight points after four league matches without a win. [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]

Lee started in attacking midfield and moved across the central and wide areas to create chances. Yonhap said his second-minute attempt went wide and a later long-range shot was saved. The agency also reported that his backheel set up Marcos Llorente for an effort that touched the goalkeeper’s fingertips and hit the crossbar shortly before Lee was substituted. Espanyol’s Leandro Cabrera had also hit the post near the end of the first half. [ 3 ]

Chosun Ilbo reported that Atletico had 71% possession and 19 attempts but struggled to break down Espanyol’s defence. Diego Simeone introduced Alvarez and Alejandro Grimaldo at halftime, followed by Llorente and then Baena. After scoring, Baena embraced Simeone, while Lee came from the bench to join the celebrations. Lee remains on two league goals and one assist this season. [ 4 , 5 ]