Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal | LaLiga Matchday 4 Preview
Atlético Madrid face Villarreal this Saturday at the Metropolitano in what’s shaping up to be a crucial clash. After a shaky start to the 2025-26 season, Atletico will be desperate to get their first win, while Villarreal, with positive momentum, aims to make another statement. This match has all the ingredients: pressure, ambition, and tactical intrigue.
Current Form & Table Standings
Atlético Madrid have made a disappointing start: 2 points from their first three matches (two draws, one loss), leaving them near the bottom of the table.
Villarreal, in contrast, have opened with 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw) and are among the top teams early in the season.
This sets up a dynamic of desperation vs confidence. Atletico need to calm things down, find stability, and begin scoring, while Villarreal will be confident in their shape and recent form.
Team News & Absences
Atlético Madrid:
Álex Baena is still out, recovering from muscle injury followed by appendicitis surgery.
José María Giménez is unavailable with a hip injury.
Thiago Almada remains a doubt, dealing with muscle issues after international duty.
Villarreal:
Image – Villarreal CF (Official Website)
Logan Costa, Willy Kambwala, and Pau Cabanes are ruled out through injury.
Gerard Moreno, one of their experienced forwards, is doubtful because of a hamstring issue.
Predicted Lineups
Here are predicted XI’s for both sides in a 4-4-2 formation.
| Atlético Madrid (4-4-2) | Position | Villarreal (4-4-2) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan Oblak | Goalkeeper | Luiz Junior |
| Marcos Llorente | Right Back | Santiago Mourino |
| Robin Le Normand | Centre Back | Juan Foyth |
| Clément Lenglet | Centre Back | Renato Veiga |
| Dávid Hancko | Left Back | Sergi Cardona |
| Simeone | Right Midfield | Tajon Buchanan |
| Johnny Cardoso | Central Midfield | Pape Gueye / central midfield |
| Pablo Barrios | Central Midfield | Santi Comesana |
| Conor Gallagher | Left Midfield | Alberto Moleiro |
| Alexander Sørloth | Striker | Georges Mikautadze |
| Julián Álvarez | Striker | Ayoze Pérez / depending on fitness |
Key Themes & Tactical Storylines
- Atlético’s Urgent Need for a Win
Having failed to win in their first three games, Simeone’s side is under pressure to deliver results. Home ground and a strong start are essential. - Injuries and Squad Rotation
With Baena, Almada, and Giménez out or doubtful, Atlético will have to rely on other signings and squad depth. New faces need to step up. - Villarreal’s Momentum and Confidence
The Yellow Submarine have started well, combining attacking flexibility with defensive solidity. They are likely to be confident in this matchup. - Head-to-Head Trends
Matches between these two have often been tight. Recent meetings have produced more draws than clear wins for either side. That suggests the game could be close.
Key Players to Watch
For Atlético: Julián Álvarez – his goal threat and movement will be very important.
For Villarreal: Georges Mikautadze, a recent signing, could provide a cutting edge if he’s integrated well. Also, Alberto Moleiro and Tajon Buchanan for pace and creativity.
Fitness issues for Gerard Moreno could shift responsibilities.
Likely result: A tight game, possibly ending in a draw or a narrow win for Villarreal. Atlético are under pressure, but they’ll push hard at home.
Scoreline guess: 1-1 or 2-1 in favor of Villarreal.
Betting tip: Over 2.5 goals might be probable, given the attacking talent on both sides and some defensive uncertainties.
Atletico might dominate possession; Villarreal may capitalize on counterattacks.
Featured Image – LaLiga (Official Website)
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