Villarreal and Atlético Madrid Face Off in La Liga

Villarreal is going to face Atlético Madrid at Estadi de la Ceramica on Monday, August 19, 2024, in what will be the highlight of La Liga’s first round. This match is special for both teams because it will be the first time that each of them is going to show off its updated lineup after a couple of busy months of summer transfer window actions.

Villarreal, also known as the Yellow Submarine, finished the previous season in the eighth spot and was unable to qualify for any european competitions. The team has also had a mixed record in the friendly matches this summer winning only 1 out of six. Several key players left the team including Jörgensen, who joined Chelsea, and Alexander Sørloth. At the same time, Villarreal signed a promising player from manchester united, Willy Kambwala, for €10 million.

Atlético Madrid was better than its rival last season as the team finished the competition fourth. Besides, the players of the Madrid side should be motivated after winning the Champions League. The team’s coach, Diego Simeone, strengthened his lineup through the summer transfer window due to the arrival of Alexander Sørloth and a slightly more expensive Julián Álvarez from Manchester City for €75 million. The most interesting player to follow during the match is Álvarez, whose price indicates big potential and the responsibility to perform well. I think that he will be able to demonstrate all his abilities and even score a couple of goals.

Moreover, the head-to-head record might be an interesting piece of information to take into account. The situation is that Villarreal has not beaten Atlético in the previous six of their home H2Hs and is most likely willing to change this. At the same time, Atlético won the most recent clash 2-1.

Lastly, the tactical mindset of the Yellow Submarine’s coach, Marcelino, will be vital. The Spaniard will have to adjust his tactics and provide a feasible backline plan to minimize the number of goals conceded. Moreover, I think that the coach will take into account the fact that his team will have little time to dominate the ball and will position Gerard Moreno in the central attacking position. On the other hand, Diego Simeone’s main task will be to capitalize on the young and fresh legs of Álvarez and Sørloth.