Johnny Cardoso, a midfielder for the U.S. men's national team, made his debut with Atletico Madrid, although the team lost to Espanyol in the La Liga season opening after giving up two late goals. For the first time under coach Diego Simeone, Atleti lost their opening game in the Spanish league, even though the majority of their new additions made their debuts.
Sunday's 2-1 victory over host Espanyol marked Atletico's first opening loss since Simeone took control in late 2011. Since 2009, it had not lost an opening league game. Atletico took the lead with Julian Alvarez's free kick in the 37th minute but conceded goals by Miguel Rubio in the 73rd and Pere Milla in the 84th. Barcelona began the defense of its Spanish league title with a comfortable 3-0 win at nine-man Mallorca on Saturday. Real Madrid hosts Osasuna on Tuesday.