Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal
La Liga
Sunday
12th November 2023
Wanda Metropolitan
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga gameweek 13 fixture between Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal: Preview
Atletico Madrid form analysis
Atletico’s recent run of games has showcased their attacking talents while also highlighting some defensive vulnerabilities. They started with a thrilling come from behind 3-2 home win over Cadiz – twice going behind early before Correa’s double and Molina’s equalizer completed the turnaround. However, problems at the back surfaced in the next game despite beating Real Sociedad 2-1 at home, affording too many chances before Griezmann’s late penalty sealed the points. Atletico’s attack exploded in the next game, with Griezmann netting a sublime hat-trick in a 3-0 away thrashing of Celta Vigo.
Back came the defensive issues in their latest league game, surrendering chances in a 2-1 home win over Alaves courtesy of goals from Riquelme and Morata. Most recently they suffered a disappointing 2-1 away defeat at Las Palmas. With Morata’s late strike proving a mere consolation after more lackluster defending. Overall, Atletico have looked dangerous in attack. But the defense remains a worry, having conceded in 4 of their last 5 games.
Villarreal form analysis
Villarreal’s recent run of games has been underwhelming, with just 1 win in their last 5 games. They started with a lackluster goalless away draw at Getafe, lacking attacking threat besides half chances. Things got worse with a poor 1-2 home loss to Las Palmas, going 2 down before Moreno’s late penalty proved a consolation. There was an improved display next match as they fought back to draw 1-1 at home with Alaves. Needing another Moreno penalty to claim a point after going behind.
Back to winning ways in their next game, Villarreal won an entertaining six goal thriller away at Granada thanks to a Moreno brace and goals from Sørloth and Torres. However, defensive issues persisted in their latest match, a dramatic 2-3 home loss to Athletic Bilbao, scoring late through Moreno and Sørloth but made to pay for sloppy first half defending. Overall, Villarreal’s form is a major concern – the attack looks blunt while the defense remains far too porous.
