Atl. Madrid vs Villarreal prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2025-01-24 15:15.
[p]With AtlĂ©tico Madridâs eyes set on La Liga glory for the first time since 2020/21, fans will know that a tie against an in-form Villarreal is of vital importance. Despite a shock 1-0 loss to the strugglers LeganĂ©s last time out, there remains a special feeling in the air, with Atleti coming from behind, despite an early red card, to secure a brilliant 2-1 victory over reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in midweek UEFA Champions League action. [/p]
[p]Theyâll need full focus here though, as despite the fact no La Liga side have conceded fewer league goals or lost less league games (two) than the Madrid side at home this season, only Barcelona (eight) and Real Madrid (five) have beaten Atleti more times at home than Villarrealâs three since Simeoneâs arrival. Seven successive home wins though would hint that Villarreal will be leaving the capital empty-handed here though.[/p]
[p]Ruthless Villarreal took 385 seconds to strike four first-half goals in a stunning 4-0 victory over Mallorca last time out. That was the first time a side has struck four goals within eight minutes of La Liga action since Barcelona in 2017, continuing the ongoing feel-good factor at the club of late.[/p]
[p]Villarrealâs lofty fifth place standing in La Liga ahead of the matchday may have fans dreaming, but their travelling form needs an immediate remedy if their potential is to be realised. The Yellow Submarine have lost two of their last three La Liga games on the road (W1), which is as many defeats as in their previous 16 such matches in the Spanish top-flight (W9 D5 L2).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Antoine Griezmann is one to watch as he has 11 goal contributions from his last 13 league meetings with Villarreal (G6, A5). Ălex Baena might feel extra pressure to shine with Simeone reportedly interested in Villarrealâs star. He struck before the 25th minute last time out, and is the joint-fourth highest assist maker in La Liga with five assists ahead of the matchday. [/p]
[p]Hot streak: AtlĂ©tico havenât lost back-to-back La Liga games since March![/p]
[p][i]Written by Luke Bridle [/i][/p]