Atlético de Madrid began their journey at Villarreal on the first day of the League, with Alexander Sorloth as a starter. He was whistled when he touched his first balls; part of the yellow fans do not forgive his departure to the Metropolitano.
In the 12th minute, after a great pass from Marcos Llorente , Samu Lino headed the ball in alone and Diego Conde pulled off a spectacular save. A goalkeeper who came up through the Atlético de Madrid youth academy, the red-and-whites are keeping an eye on his progress. In the 15th minute, it was Reinildo Mandava who connected with a great pass from Llorente, although the Mozambican player was offside.
Llorente signed the partial tie
Atlético missed, but Villarreal didn't. Arnaut Danjuma took advantage of a great pass from Diego Conde,beatAxel Witsel in the race and made his way into the area. He finished perfectly, crossing it to the far post and leaving Jan Oblak absolutely static, a post for the red-and-whites who did not deserve to be losing.
Marcos Llorente took the lead, found himself alone in front of Diego Conde and immediately fired home to make it 1-1. Antoine Griezmann 's pass was great to break the lines and set up Pablo Barrios.
Shortly afterwards, Villarreal responded with a blow to Atlético de Madrid . Jan Oblak was unable to stop a poisoned cross from Álex Baena and the red-and-white team ended up conceding. A very bad exit from the Slovenian goalkeeper, with Axel Witsel getting in his way, and the ball hit Koke slightly, who put it into his own goal, thus Villarreal taking the lead again.
Gerard Moreno missed a clear shot on the stroke of half-time after beating Robin Le Normand in speed, which Jan Oblak easily stopped. Arnaut Danjuma created another chance and ended up shooting just wide.
Sorloth responded on the stroke of half-time
Atlético de Madrid did not give up and found the equaliser. A fabulous service from Pablo Barrios reached the penalty spot and Alexander Sorlothcame in with all his strength to tie the game . José MaríaGiménez and Ángel Correa replaced Witsel and Sorloth at half-time, in some surprising changes by Simeone to say the least.
The second half started off with little action, and Ángel Correa fought with Eric Bailly , who hit the Argentinean's ankle with his studs. The referee did not indicate anything, despite the protests of the Rosario striker. Diego Simeone brought on Nahuel Molina for Reinildo Mandava , and on the counterattack, Villarreal tested Jan Oblak , who intervened very well.
Alex Baena, from a direct free kick, grazed the crossbar in the 55th minute, with Jan Oblak making an almost impossible save, but he couldn't reach it. Samu Lino responded after a lot of touches with Ángel Correa and Antoine Griezmann , shooting wide. Diego Simeone took off Rodrigo de Paul , and gave Koke a rest, looking for solutions, which didn't come.
Correa gave air to the attack and Julián made his debut
Ángel Correa almost did the same as Juan Palomo, and Eric Bailly just managed to stop the Argentine from shooting. Julián Álvarez came on immediately after the agreed hydration break, coming on for Antoine Griezmann in the 78th minute.
Samu Lino was unable to stop Ilias Akhomach and was given a fair yellow card. During this play, Nicolás Pépé almost hit Jan Oblak 's crossbar. With the introduction of Julián Álvarez , Atlético rushed into Villarreal 's area.
There was no time for much more, a 2-2 draw between the red-and-whites and Castellón, a final draw that satisfies neither team.