Puado and Fortuño shine in another cruel setback

Puado returned to action 279 days after ACL surgery, coming on in the 82nd minute to a standing ovation at RCDE Stadium.

Javi Puado made his long-awaited return to competitive football for RCD Espanyol after 279 days sidelined with a right knee ACL injury suffered on 11 January. The midfielder came on in the 82nd minute against Atlético Madrid and received a rousing standing ovation from the home crowd, with captain Leandro Cabrera handing him the armband. Manager Manolo González managed his minutes carefully to allow gradual reintegration. Despite Puado's emotional return, Atlético Madrid won 1–0 with a late goal from Álex Baena.