Sergio Garcia scored a late goal to hand Atletico their first league defeat since April.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said his team paid for one mistake in Friday evening's 1-0 defeat at Espanyol -- their first in La Liga this season.
A tight first half saw Espanyol's ex-Atletico striker Leo Baptistao mis-hit a chip when clean through, and the visitors' Antoine Griezmann have a penalty claim turned down by referee Mario Melero Lopez.
Atletico began to turn the screw after the break, with Diego Godin having a goal disallowed for a push on his marker, and substitute Kevin Gameiro shooting straight at Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez after being sent clear by Griezmann.
But with just three minutes left substitutes Pablo Piatti and Esteban Granero capitalised on an error by Atletico replacement Augusto Fernandez to set up veteran Sergio Garcia for an excellent finish.
After what was their first La Liga defeat of 2017-18, and first on the road in over 12 months, the Rojiblancos coach told the postgame news conference that in a tight game one mistake from his side had proven crucial.
"Whichever team made a mistake could lose the game," Simeone said. "It was very tight, very tough, very intense, very tactical. We made a mistake, and they took it. Espanyol played a very good game tactically. The team who took their chances was much closer to winning such a tight game."
With his team still sitting second but having missed a chance to move closer to La Liga leaders Barcelona, Simeone was asked for his thoughts on Saturday's Clasico at the Bernabeu, and said his focus was more on the other teams likely to fight for top four spots.
"I am more worried about the game between [third-placed] Valencia and [sixth-placed] Villarreal, for sure," he replied. "I don't know about the others. We are doing very well. The first half of the season has gone very well. I hope it is 20 games until we lose again. It is never good to lose, but we are on the right path."
After the winter break, Atletico will be finally able to field summer signings and Spain internationals Diego Costa and Vitolo, who were ineligible during the first half of the season due to a FIFA transfer ban.
"We have come through these three months of difficulty," Simeone said. "But the arrivals of Diego and Vitolo will add more things to a team which already has many positive things."
Dermot Corrigan is a Madrid-based football writer who covers La Liga and the Spain national team for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter @dermotmcorrigan
Comments
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms. Learn more.
Source: espn.co.uk