Atlético Madrid – Villarreal: Late Drama At Metropolitano (2-2)

Villarreal and Atlético Madrid's out-of-possession trade-offs allowed both teams to find routes to each other's penalty boxes. The Submarines generated the most threat during the passive times of Simeone's side. Marc Pubill gave Atlético the lead before the game turned into a drama. Los Rojiblancos conceded two penalties and a red card. Nonetheless, Giuliano Simeone salvages a late draw.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

Atlético Madrid successfully passed the test of the opening game against Málaga amid all the noise occurring outside the pitch and concerning the Julián Álvarez situation with the club. Diego Simeone called up the Argentinian striker for the game against Villarreal. However, as he stepped onto the pitch, he encountered a hostile environment from the club's fans, showing their resentment over how Julian Alvarez handled his transfer issue throughout the summer.

Diego Simeone made numerous changes to the eleven who started the opening match. Only David Hancko and Robin Le Normand maintained their position at the backline. Marc Pubill and Alejandro Grimaldo got the nod and started in the fullback positions. In midfield, Pablo Barrios made way for Morten Hjulmand to join Rodrigo Mendoza and Koke. Giuliano Simeone replaced Carlos Martin on the right side, whereas Kang-In Lee partnered with Ademola Lookman in the front line.

Inigo Perez kept the starting eleven intact. Santiago Mouriño and Carlos Romero played as right and left backs alongside Renato Veiga and Juan Foyth. Santi . . .