The La Liga weekend culminates with an intriguing fixture on Sunday evening as Atlético Madrid, sitting comfortably in 4th, take on a Villarreal side positioned in the 13th spot.
Both teams step into this encounter with the confidence of European victories under their belts. Atlético dismantled Celtic with a stunning 6-0 win, with Álvaro Morata finding the net twice, while Villarreal snatched a dramatic late victory against Maccabi Haifa, showcasing their resolve.
Los defensas atacan, los atacantes defienden. THIS IS ATLETI ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/7CHNP80meN— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) November 8, 2023
Los defensas atacan, los atacantes defienden. THIS IS ATLETI ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/7CHNP80meN
The Madrid team's season has been notable for their attacking prowess, marked by 26 goals, a tally only surpassed by Girona.
Their solid defense has also been a highlight, with just 11 goals conceded. However, a recent upset against Las Palmas has introduced a note of caution into their otherwise impressive campaign.
Villarreal's journey under a new manager has been a rollercoaster, with their latest bout ending in a narrow defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
Notably, their tendency to score in the latter stages of the game has become a main theme, demonstrating their persistence but also hinting at a struggle to seal games early.
When looking at the teams' home and away trends, Atlético Madrid boasts an extraordinary record, having won their last 16 home games across all competitions.
Villarreal, meanwhile, has been part of fixtures that have seen a flurry of goals, with over 2.5 goals scored in their last four matches.
The history between these two Spanish clubs has seen a deadlock in recent times, with four draws in their last six head-to-head meetings.
Goals have not been in short supply, with three of these encounters ending with both teams on the scoresheet and over 2.5 goals tallied.
Injury concerns loom over both squads. Diego Simeone's selection is hampered by the absence of Thomas Lemar and uncertainties surrounding Reinildo and Memphis Depay.
Villarreal's Pacheta cannot call upon Francis Coquelin and Denis Suarez due to injuries.
As the prediction leans towards an Atlético victory, the match promises to be an exciting affair, potentially filled with goals.
Villarreal is expected to present a formidable challenge, yet Atlético Madrid's form and home record make them favorites to claim all three points in what is anticipated to be a spirited and engaging contest.