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Villarreal CF vs. Atlético Madrid
An incredibly interesting clash between the reigning Europa League winners and the Spanish champions awaits us in Spain late on Sunday night. Villarreal welcome Atlético Madrid and both could win their last match. Atlético have jumped back to a Champions League place and certainly don’t want to give it up.
Nevertheless, the La Liga season has been rather disappointing so far, as they had hoped for more as reigning champions and are already 13 points behind leaders Real Madrid. Accordingly, the top goal should be to reach the Champions League. Villarreal will also have hoped for more, they are currently in 8th place, but their form is improving and they have won their last 4 games in the league. Find out who we think will come out on top in this exciting match in this Villarreal – Atlético betting tip.
Villarreal – Atlético info
– Date & Time: 09.01.2022, 21:00 Uhr
– Venue: Estadio de la Ceramica (Villarreal)
– Competition: La Liga, Matchday 20
– TV broadcast: In Livestream at DAZN
Villarreal Form & Balance Check
The yellow submarine is something of the team of the moment in Spain, even though they were eliminated by Gijon in the cup during the week. They won all of their last 4 games in the league and were especially convincing offensively. This is primarily due to the return of top striker Gerard Moreno, who scored a total of 7 goals in the last 4 games. In general, the average of goals scored in the last few weeks is just under 4 per game and the last two games against Alaves and Levante were both won with 5 goals of their own.
The Champions League is back within reach
Because of the bad start to the season, Villarreal had to fight their way back to the top half of the table. In the meantime, they occupy 9th place and are only 2 points behind 6th place, which would mean participation in a European competition. But Unai Emery’s team wants more and participation in the Champions League is still possible. But for that the yellow submarine has to extend its series, otherwise it will be difficult with a place among the top 4.
Villarreal facts & analysis
– The last game was won with 5:0 against Levante
– Villarreal have a goal difference of +10
– They have picked up 10 points from their last 5 home games
Atlético form & balance check
The season has been rather sobering for the reigning champions so far. In the Champions League, things did not go well at all for a long time and the team was on the verge of elimination. However, this could be averted and the Rojiblancos reached the last 16 by the skin of their teeth. Nationally, they no longer have a chance of winning the championship, as they are already 14 points behind Real Madrid. With 3 defeats in their last 4 games, they have lost all chances and now the only thing that matters is to reach the top of the league next year.
Does the team need new impulses?
Atlético Madrid are probably one of the most unpleasant teams to play against in professional football. Diego Simeone has drilled “football work” into the team and the entire squad has to help out defensively. But in the meantime, the star players are slowly reaching their zenith and the young new acquisitions are not yet equal alternatives. Joao Felix still has problems with the way he plays and has not been worth the €125 million paid since his transfer two and a half years ago. Other transfers have also flopped and the club is starting to need a supply of young and hungry players.
Atlético facts & analysis
– They have picked up just one win from their last 4 games.
– Top scorer is Angel Correa with 10 direct goals (6 + 4)
– Atlético have won only one of their last 7 matches away
Predicted line-up – last update on 7 January 2022
Villarreal could make one or two changes compared to the last game, as key players like Capoue or Parejo are available again. It is quite possible that these two will form the double six on Sunday. Juan Foyth could also return to the defence. Atlético are forced to replace their right-back, as Trippier has moved back to England. Croatian Vrsaljko is available as a replacement. Otherwise, we do not expect any personnel changes.
Villarreal – Atlético direct comparison & Statistics
The two have met only 39 times in the league and the direct comparison is extremely even. Villarreal have won 13 times, while Atlético have had the better end of 14 games. A full 12 games ended in a draw.
– The first leg ended with a 2:2 draw
– Villarreal’s last home win against Atlético was almost 4 years ago.
– On average, 2.5 goals are scored in a clash
