Atletico Madrid Faces Villarreal in Crucial La Liga Clash

MADRID, Spain — Atletico Madrid will host Villarreal in a pivotal La Liga showdown on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano. The match, set to kick off at 3:15 p.m. GMT, could see Atletico reclaim the top spot in the league standings, provided they secure a victory and Real Madrid falter in their later fixture against Real Valladolid.

Atletico, currently second in the league with 44 points, are just two points behind leaders Real Madrid. Diego Simeone‘s side recently saw a 15-game winning streak across all competitions end with a surprising 1-0 loss to Leganes. However, they bounced back with a 2-1 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, showcasing their resilience.

Villarreal, sitting fifth in the table with 33 points, are six points adrift of fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao. The Yellow Submarine have been inconsistent this season but come into the match with momentum, having won two of their last three league games. Their attacking prowess, with 38 goals scored, ranks third in La Liga, trailing only Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Atletico’s home form has been formidable this season, with 26 points from 10 matches and only six goals conceded. However, they face a Villarreal side that has proven to be a tough opponent in recent encounters. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 2-2 draw, and Villarreal secured a 2-0 victory at the Metropolitano in August 2022.

Injury and suspension concerns loom for both teams. Atletico will be without suspended left-back Javi Galán, who is also recovering from an ankle sprain. Clément Lenglet is also suspended, likely paving the way for Robin Le Normand to start in defense. Villarreal, meanwhile, are missing key midfielder Dani Parejo due to injury, but forward Alexander Sørloth, who has been in fine form, is expected to return to the squad after recovering from a knee issue.

“The opponent’s numbers tell us that it’s a very difficult match,” Villarreal manager Marcelino said in a pre-match press conference. “Atlético are a very sound team, with only 13 goals conceded and 10 clean sheets. But we are not defeated; we are going there with the hope of winning.”

Atletico’s possible starting lineup includes Jan Oblak in goal, with a backline of Nahuel Molina, José Giménez, Robin Le Normand, and Reinildo. Midfielders Rodrigo De Paul and Conor Gallagher are expected to support forwards Antoine Griezmann and Julián Alvarez. Villarreal, meanwhile, could field Luiz Junior in goal, with a front two of Gerard Moreno and Alexander Sørloth.

This match promises to be a tactical battle, with Atletico’s defensive solidity pitted against Villarreal’s attacking flair. A win for Atletico would not only boost their title aspirations but also reaffirm their dominance at home. For Villarreal, three points could reignite their push for a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.