Villarreal will battle Atletico Madrid at Estadio de la Ceramica in the opening game of the 2024/25 La Liga campaign. Villarreal ended their campaign in eighth place in La Liga last season, which unfortunately meant they did not qualify for European competitions. On the other hand, Atletico Madrid secured a fourth-place finish, guaranteeing their participation in the initial stage of the Champions League for the upcoming season.
Villareal vs. Atletico Madrid: Preview
Villarreal’s performance in the 2023-24 La Liga season can only be described as disappointing, as they failed to secure a place in the top seven. It was only their second season finishing below seventh place since they were promoted to the top flight in 2013. It is no double that Villarreal will have their sights on securing a spot in Europe this season. They have completed six transfers, notably that of Ayoze Perez and Nicolas Pepe. There have also been a couple of significant departures and this includes Alexander Sorloth, who was their top goalscorer last season. He has recently made a high-profile move to Atletico Madrid. Also, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen left to join Chelsea.
Atletico Madrid has not lost to Villarreal in any of their away matches since March 2018. In the opening match of the new season, Atletico will aim to make a statement by securing a win. Their goal is to establish themselves as strong contenders for the title this year. Last season, Diego Simeone’s team secured a fourth-place finish in La Liga, trailing the champions Real Madrid by a significant 19-point margin. With high expectations looming, a top-three finish is a must this time, especially given their impressive transfers.
Team News & Possible Starting Lineups
Villarreal will have to play without the contributions of Juan Foyth, Alfonso Pedraza, and Denis Suarez. It is expected that there will be some new faces in Villarreal’s starting lineup. Willy Kambwala should make his debut in defense. Other expected debutants include Sergi Cardona, Perez, Diego Conde, and Pape Gueye. Gerard Moreno was used in a wide position most times last season, but it is anticipated that he will be back to his regular central role. Alex Baena and Yeremy Pino are expected to feature in the starting lineup for the Yellow Submarine in this match.
Atletico fans will expect their big-money signing Julian Alvarez to start against Villarreal. The Argentine might be accompanied by Sorloth in the attacking third of the pitch. Sorloth showcased his scoring prowess with an impressive tally of 26 goals for Villarreal, with 23 of those coming in La Liga. As fate would have it, he now finds himself facing his former club, and there’s a chance he could make a significant impact in this match. Antoine Griezmann, Koke, Marcos Llorente, and Rodrigo De Paul should all be in the starting XI.
Villarreal possible starting lineup: Conde (GK), Altimira, Albiol, Kambwala, Cardona, Gueye, Comesana, Baena, Pino, G Moreno, Perez
Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup: Oblak (GK), Molina, Le Normand, Gimenez, Galan, De Paul, Koke, Llorente, Griezmann, Sorloth, Alvarez
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