Villarreal v Atletico Madrid: Los Colchoneros held back at El Madrigal

Villarreal v Atletico Madrid Preview

The 6-match winning streak of Villarreal in all competitions this season has been cut off after suddenly losing 1-2 against a small Sporting Gijon in Copa del Rey some days ago. In addition, the “Yellow Submarines” have been in trouble with their players’ situations. While Francis Coquelin, Ruben Pena and Paco Alcacer were managing their injuries, CAN 2021 took more key players of the team like Aissa Mandi, Boulaye Dia, Samuel Chukwueze and Serge Aurier. 

On the other side, Atletico Madrid have been out of their form recently when having lost 4 per 5 latest games in this competition. Besides, Los Rojiblancos would not have the serving of Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez, and Jose Gimenez for the game against Villarreal due to different reasons. However, the visitors have been still considered one of the best teams in La Liga and they have played more overwhelmingly than the home team for many years. Therefore, it was predicted a 1-2 for this clash by Betimate. 

Villarreal v Atletico Madrid

Villareal 2-2 Atletico Madrid

• Villarreal: Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Foyth, Raúl Albiol, Pau Torres, Pervis Estupiñán, Étienne Capoue, Daniel Parejo, Moi Gómez, Manu Trigueros, Alberto Moreno; Gerard Moreno.
• Atletico: Jan Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Felipe, Mario Hermoso, Renan Lodi, Yannick Carrasco, Rodrigo De Paul, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Thomas Lemar, Ángel Correa, Matheus Cunha. 

Taking home advantage, Villareal held the ball and attacked right after the beginning whistle resounded. However, Atletico were the team who opened the scoring in the match. Angel Correa stuck out a foot and latched on to a loose pass in the centre circle. One look up and he drilled a beautifully parabolic shot, knocking out Rulli in the Villarreal goal. However, the bad form of defensive players made the visitors have to pay a heavy cost later. 

Angel Correa opens the scoring with a beautiful kick

In the 22nd minute, Lemar put his hand in and prevented the ball from following its trajectory and the referee had no doubts to give Villarreal a penalty kick. Unfortunately, that chance was missed. Gerard Moreno's penalty was not strong enough and Oblak pushed it into the mixer, but the quickest on the scene was Dani Parejo. It bounced off his hip and he did not care.

That was so harsh. It looked like a jumble of bodies pushed the ball into the net, but it was adjudged to have grazed a Villarreal’s hand. They still trailed because the goal was affirmed overruled. 

However, the home team need not have to wait for too long to celebrate their first goal. In the 28th minute, Pau Torres took advantage of Oblak's rebound and pushed the ball into the back of the net. It was an official goal and Villarreal equalized the score successfully. 

Villarreal kept playing overwhelmingly in the second half and the second goal came to them in the 58th minute. Alberto Moreno made it two for the home team after being set loose on goal by his namesake Gerard. Oblak should have done better as his save looped up and went into his net.

Los Colchoneros tried to equalize the score and it was so lucky for them in the 67th minute. Delayed ball to Kondogbia, who from the edge of the area sent a shot and Rulli could not prevent the match from being tied.

In the last 20 minutes, changes, attempts and chances were made but no other goals were scored. Suddenly, Kondogbia was sent off the pitch in the 91st minute. The goal scorer took a slightly early shower after his second yellow. It was a clear shoulder charge and the 10 men of Atletico had a minute to hold on.

Atletico were held back by Villarreal

Obviously, that time was too short for the home team to find another goal and the final score was confirmed to be 2-2. With this draw, Diego Simeone’s squad could not climb another position on the table. They are still standing fourth with 33 points after 20 games. Meanwhile, Villarreal are standing 8th with 29 points in total. 

Reference Sources

• laliga.com
• vavel.com
• betimate.com