“Villarreal” -Atletico” Match preview and prediction

April 1, 2024. 22:00. Villarreal. Estadio de la Ceramica.
La 2023-24. 30th round

“Villarreal” – “Atletico” (Madrid)

Where to watch: MEGOGO, Volia TV

Suspended: Kiko Femenia, Alberto Moreno – Nauel Molina, Rodrigo De Paul

Injured: Denis Suarez, Yeremi Pino – Mario Hermoso, Thomas Lemar

Under question: Pepe Reina, Raul Albiol, Eric Bailly, Juan Foyt, Alfonso Pedraza, Ramon Terrats – Cesar Azpilicueta

At risk of suspension: Raul Albiol, Alfonso Pedraza, Alex Baena – Stefan Savic, Jose Gimenez, Gabriel Paulista, Koke, Pablo Barrios, Marcos Llorente

“Villarreal”

Marcelino Garcia Toral was recently awarded as the best La Liga coach in March. It is no surprise because his “Yellow Submarine” won all three matches this month, significantly improving their league position. Currently, Villarreal is on a nine-match undefeated streak in La Liga and has won their last four matches.

In late February, Villarreal won 3-1 away at Real Sociedad, avenging their 3-0 defeat in the first leg. In March, Marcelino Garcia Toral’s team started with a 5-1 triumph over Granada, followed by a 3-2 victory against Real Betis, and a 1-0 win over Valencia in the derby. Alexander Sorloth scored the winning goals in the first two matches, while defender Jorge Cuenca netted the only goal against Osasuna.

Villarreal, who were recently worried about relegation, have climbed to the top half of the La Liga table and are now serious contenders for a place in European competition. With the current round results, Marcelino’s team is in 10th place, but a victory in the upcoming match would propel them above Getafe, surpass Osasuna, catch up to Valencia, and close in on Betis.

“Atletico”

Before the international break, Atletico Madrid won a crucial clash against Inter Milan in the Champions League round of 16 and will face Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals next week. If successful, they will meet the winner of PSG – Barcelona in the following round. Atletico fans dream of a return to the Champions League final. Although not favorites in the semifinals, the path appears easier than the one with Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Atletico recently suffered two defeats in La Liga, failing to score in both matches. First, they lost 2-0 at Cadiz, and then 3-0 at home against Barcelona. As a result, Atletico dropped to 5th place in the table, trailing Athletic Bilbao, whom they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by, losing 3-0 in the second leg. Bilbao also lost to Real Madrid recently, giving Atletico a chance to level with them.

“Villarreal” – “Atletico”: probable lineups

At Villarreal, Kiko Femenia and Alberto Moreno are suspended, while Denis Suarez, Yeremi Pino are injured, and the participation of Pepe Reina, Raul Albiol, Eric Bailly, Juan Foyt, Alfonso Pedraza, and Ramon Terrats is in doubt. Atletico also has two suspended players – Nauel Molina and Rodrigo De Paul. Mario Hermoso, Thomas Lemar are injured, and there are doubts about Cesar Azpilicueta’s readiness.

“Villarreal” – “Atletico”: author’s prediction

Villarreal has been in excellent form before the international break, but it remains to be seen if they can maintain it after a two-week layoff. However, their chances of at least earning points in the upcoming match are quite high. Atletico may have benefited from the break, but their focus will likely be on the Champions League matches against Borussia. Worth noting that Atletico has not lost in Villarreal since March 2018, with four of the last five matches between these teams ending in draws. A high-scoring draw seems the most likely outcome of the future clash. I don’t believe in an away win, but Villarreal could pleasantly surprise again.

Related topics