Atletico Madrid face a period of reflection after a league defeat that leaves them off the pace at the top. According to Mundo Deportivo, the colchoneros fell 3-0 to Athletic Club at San Mamés in the fourth matchday, a result that leaves them with two wins, a draw, and a loss in the domestic championship. This sees the club sitting seventh in the standings, with 7 points and a +1 goal difference after scoring 7 and conceding 6.
How does the defeat impact the title race?
The loss in Bilbao leaves Atletico Madrid five points behind unbeaten leaders FC Barcelona and two points off second place. Hansi Flick's team took advantage of their rivals' stumbles to open an early gap at the top. For Atletico, who aim to fight for the title, this setback is a significant blow to their early ambitions, though the season remains long. Their next league commitment is a visit to 13th-placed Real Sociedad on September 13th, a key match to regain momentum before the international break.
What is the news on Inter's Pio Esposito renewal?
In a separate development also reported by Mundo Deportivo, Inter Milan announced the contract renewal of their forward Francesco Pio Esposito. The 21-year-old Italian talent has signed an extension until June 2032, fending off interest from English clubs who made offers this summer. According to the Italian press, his annual salary will more than double, reaching 2.7 million euros. Esposito is a key piece for manager Cristian Chivu and for the Italian national team, for which he is already a full international.
How is Racing progressing in the U-18 Club World Cup?
Meanwhile, the site Ole reports that Racing Club's U-18 team will face Real Madrid again in the semifinals of the Club World Cup being held in Cordoba. La Academia, who beat Cordoba FC 3-1 in the quarter-finals with goals from Benjamín Borowik and Román González, will replay the clash from the 2025 edition. Club president Diego Milito congratulated the youth players via Instagram, saying, "A true pride to see them represent our shirt in this way. Go for more." The match is scheduled for this Monday at 3 pm (Argentine time).
With focus now on league recovery, Atletico Madrid travel to San Sebastian to face Real Sociedad next Sunday. The team aims to take three points to close the two-point gap to the Champions League spots in the standings and improve their offensive output, which currently averages under two goals per game. Full schedule details are available on our upcoming fixtures page.
