Atlético Madrid– Villarreal: Colchoneros edge high press battle (2-0)

Atlético Madrid secured their first win of the campaign against a strong Villarreal side. Both teams pressed high up, with Atlético using zonal overloads to turn the ball over and initiate attacks, while Villarreal enjoyed periods of sustained possession and pressed man-to-man when they got the chance to pin the hosts back in wide areas.

Tactical analysis and match report by David Pugh.

Atlético Madrid hosted Villarreal at the Metropolitano on La Liga matchday four, looking to kick-start their season after a slow start. Villarreal arrived unbeaten, with two wins and a draw, aiming to extend their strong opening run. Atleti, wounded and adrift from the top of the table, looked for their first league win against a Villarreal side in sparkling form.

Atlético boss Diego Simeone rang the changes after his side’s draw away at Alavés last time out, handing a debut to Nico González, while Antoine Griezmann made his first start of the season. Matteo Ruggeri and Koke also came into the line-up, with Dávid Hancko, Johnny Cardoso and Alexander Sorloth missing out, along with the injured Thiago Almada.

Simeone went with his customary 4-4-2 with Jan Oblak between the posts, protected by the centre-back pairing of Robin Le Normand and Clement Lenglet, and Ruggeri and Marcos Llorente as full-backs with a licence to drive forward. Pablo Barrios was partnered with Koke in centre midfield, with González and Giuliano Simeone starting in the wide positions. Griezmann would . . .