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Madrid prepares to host Espanyol this Saturday, February 21st, in a LaLiga match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium. Both teams are looking to break recent slumps as they face off in the 25th matchday of the 2025/2026 season. The game is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 local time (Argentina, Uruguay, Chile) and 15:00 (Ecuador, Peru, Colombia). For viewers in South America, the match will be broadcast live on the Plan Premium of Disney+.

This fixture presents a crucial opportunity for both Atlético Madrid and Espanyol to regain momentum. Atlético has recently dropped points, allowing their rivals to close the gap in the league standings, while Espanyol has struggled to secure wins in 2026. A victory for either side could significantly impact their respective positions in LaLiga.

The first encounter between these two teams this season, on August 17th, saw Espanyol pull off a 2-1 upset against Atlético Madrid. Julián Álvarez initially place Atlético ahead, but goals from Miguel Rubio and Pere Milla turned the tide in favor of Espanyol. This previous result adds another layer of intrigue to Saturday’s rematch.

Key Players to Watch

Atlético Madrid’s attack will likely be spearheaded by the dynamic trio of Julián Álvarez, Alexander Sørloth, and Antoine Griezmann. Álvarez and Sørloth are expected to lead the scoring charge, while Griezmann brings experience and playmaking ability to the forward line. Giuliano Simeone and Marcos Llorente will be pivotal in midfield, providing creativity and intensity to support the attack.

Espanyol will rely on a more distributed offensive approach. Pere Milla is a key threat from midfield, often making runs into the box, supported by Roberto Fernández and Edu Expósito, who also contribute to the team’s build-up play. Thorys Dolan adds further dynamism in midfield, completing a mobile and interconnected attacking unit.

Recent Form and Team Outlook

Atlético Madrid’s recent LaLiga form has been inconsistent, with two consecutive defeats against Betis and Rayo Vallecano. However, they did achieve a significant 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, demonstrating their potential. Espanyol, is currently experiencing a difficult run, having gone winless in 2026 with five losses and two draws.

The match offers a chance for both teams to address their current challenges. For Atlético, it’s about rediscovering their league form and maintaining their position among the top contenders. For Espanyol, a win away from home could be a much-needed boost to their confidence and a step towards climbing out of their current slump.

How to Watch Atlético Madrid vs. Espanyol

Fans in South America can watch Atlético Madrid take on Espanyol live through the Plan Premium subscription of Disney+. The game is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st, with kick-off times varying based on location: 17:00 (ARG, URU, CHI) and 15:00 (ECU, PER, COL). The Sunday Guardian provides further details on viewing options in various regions.

As both Atlético Madrid and Espanyol seek to turn their fortunes around, this LaLiga clash promises to be a compelling encounter. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective seasons, making it a must-watch for football fans.

What impact will this match have on the LaLiga standings? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!

A wildfire erupted in South Korea’s Chungcheongnam-do province on Wednesday, February 21, 2026, prompting a rapid response from fire departments and raising concerns about potential impacts to the nearby Daebuk Resource Reserve Industrial Complex, the nation’s largest petroleum reserve facility. The blaze, initially reported in Seosan City, quickly drew attention due to its proximity to critical infrastructure and the influence of strong winds, which threatened to accelerate its spread.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene immediately after the fire was reported, according to a statement released by the Chungcheongnam-do Fire Department. The location of the fire near the Daebuk complex – a key component of South Korea’s strategic energy reserves – has heightened anxieties, with authorities prioritizing containment efforts to prevent the flames from reaching the facility. The Seosan Fire Station elevated its response level to Level 2 at approximately 4:10 PM local time, mobilizing all available equipment and personnel from surrounding areas to focus on blocking the fire’s advance towards the industrial park.

Wildfire Spreads to Multiple Locations in Chungcheongnam-do

The situation is complicated by a second wildfire that broke out on the same day in Yesan County, too within Chungcheongnam-do province. Authorities have issued evacuation orders to residents living near both fire locations, urging them to seek safety in designated shelters. The Chungcheongnam-do Fire Department confirmed the simultaneous outbreaks in a public announcement, highlighting the challenging conditions facing emergency responders.

Strong winds are significantly exacerbating the fire risk, according to reports. These conditions are making it tough for firefighters to control the blaze and increasing the likelihood of it spreading to vital infrastructure. The potential for the fire to impact the Daebuk Resource Reserve Industrial Complex has triggered a high level of alert among relevant government agencies.

Strategic Oil Reserves at Risk

The Daebuk Resource Reserve Industrial Complex is a crucial facility for South Korea’s energy security, holding a substantial portion of the nation’s strategic oil reserves. According to reports, the complex is the largest of its kind in the country. The proximity of the wildfire to this facility underscores the potential for significant disruption to the nation’s energy supply should the fire spread.

The fire department is concentrating its efforts on establishing firebreaks and deploying resources to protect the perimeter of the Daebuk complex. Multiple fire departments are collaborating to contain the blaze, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of requesting additional support if the situation escalates.

Evacuations and Ongoing Response Efforts

Local authorities in Seosan City and Yesan County are coordinating evacuation efforts, ensuring residents in the affected areas are safely relocated. The Chungcheongnam-do provincial government is providing support to the local fire departments and assisting with the evacuation process.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the full extent of the damage caused by the wildfires remains unclear. Firefighters are continuing to battle the blazes, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation to assess the potential impact on the Daebuk Resource Reserve Industrial Complex and surrounding communities.

The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and cooperate with emergency responders. The focus remains on containing the fires and protecting critical infrastructure and public safety.

What comes next will depend on weather conditions and the effectiveness of containment efforts. Authorities will continue to monitor the fire’s progression and assess the potential for long-term impacts on the region’s energy infrastructure. We will continue to provide updates as this situation unfolds.

Share your thoughts and stay informed by leaving a comment below.

Many German taxpayers are missing out on significant tax breaks for household-related services, a provision outlined in § 35a of the Income Tax Act (EStG). Even as the law allows for tax deductions on expenses related to domestic aid, household services and skilled trades, uptake remains surprisingly low.

The tax relief, as detailed in the EStG, varies depending on the type of service. For minor employment relationships – those classified as “geringfügige Beschäftigung” under § 8a of the Fourth Book of the Social Code – taxpayers can deduct 20 percent of expenses, up to a maximum of €510. For other household employment or services, the deduction is also 20 percent, but with a higher cap of €4,000. This includes expenses for care and support services, as well as costs associated with living in a care home where those costs cover services comparable to household help.

Home improvement also qualifies for tax relief. A 20 percent deduction, capped at €1,200, is available for expenses related to renovation, maintenance, and modernization function carried out by qualified tradespeople. However, this benefit does not apply to publicly funded projects that already receive subsidies or low-interest loans.

The regulations, as outlined by the Federal Ministry of Finance, specify that the tax reduction is applied to the marginal tax rate, reduced by any other tax credits the taxpayer may be eligible for. Taxpayers must actively apply for the deduction when filing their income tax return.

Despite the potential savings, awareness of § 35a remains limited. Experts suggest that many individuals are unaware of the scope of eligible expenses or are deterred by the perceived complexity of claiming the deduction. The law has been in effect for some time, with previous versions existing, and is referenced in other sections of the EStG, including those relating to joint tax assessments for married couples (§ 26a) and tax relief for business income (§ 35).

As of February 21, 2026, the German Finance Ministry has not released data on the number of taxpayers claiming the § 35a deduction for the 2024 tax year. A spokesperson for the ministry declined to comment on potential initiatives to increase awareness of the program.