Atlético Madrid suffocates Villarreal with clinical finishing and set-piece domination

À Éviter Score Futmetrix: 31/100. The Colchoneros break their inconsistent start with a masterclass in defensive intensity that dismantles a Villarreal side arriving in third place.

Barrios ignites the spark in minute 9

From the opening whistle, Atlético Madrid imposed their tempo. J. Álvarez orchestrated the opening sequence, and P. Barrios showed no mercy: goal in the 9th. That early strike defined the match's balance immediately. With 11 corners throughout the contest, the Colchoneros applied systematic pressure that never allowed the visitors breathing room. Marcos Llorente was the architect of that chance-creation machine, distributing play from defense with surgical precision.

González seals the verdict in the 52nd

N. González put the match beyond doubt in the second half with the 2-0, again assisted by Llorente. By then, this was a one-sided affair. With 61% possession and 626 completed passes (89% accuracy), Simeone's outfit controlled every blade of grass. Koke was the central engine, dictating tempo from midfield. Jan Oblak barely broke a sweat in goal—just one save required—a testament to Atlético's near-impenetrable defense.

Villarreal left without answers

Villarreal arrived third with 7 points but became an uncomfortable spectator tonight. Only 1 shot on target, 39% possession, 396 passes. The Yellow Submarine tried to compete—15 fouls committed proved the effort—but never found the rhythm to trouble Atlético. The Colchoneros' intensity was overwhelming from kickoff.