Atletico Madrid goes head-to-head against Villarreal in their last match of the season on Sunday.
Both teams have already qualified for next season’s Champions League and are in third and fourth positions in the league table, respectively, with 69 points each. Even the goal difference is similar (+22), which means that whoever wins this game will secure their third-place finish.
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 24th May.
- Kick-off: 8pm BST.
- Venue: Estadio De La Cerámica, Villarreal.
Villarreal team news
Villarreal CF heads into this high-stakes final-day showdown at the Estadio de la Cerámica in a significantly more stable condition than their opponents.
The Yellow Submarine has avoided any fresh injury setbacks ahead of the match as long-term absentee Juan Foyth remains the only definitive omission from the squad, providing manager Marcelino with a largely full-strength roster to choose from.
There is a minor question mark surrounding Pau Cabanes, who has recently made a return to light training following a lengthy injury spell but remains a major doubt for a match of this intensity.
This match marks the final game in charge for manager Marcelino during this current managerial stint.
The players are highly determined to send their manager off with a victory to lock down third place in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid team news
Atlético Madrid is grappling with a severe selection crisis as Diego Simeone faces a heavily depleted squad due to late-season injuries and disciplinary bans.
The defensive unit takes a hit with centre-back Robin Le Normand officially ruled out after picking up a costly suspension.
Compounding this setback, an extensive injury list has sidelined vital key players, including Julián Alvarez, José María Giménez, Nahuel Molina, Pablo Barrios, Nico González, and Johnny Cardoso.
Furthermore, midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza faces a late fitness check to determine his availability.
Despite these structural challenges, a sentimental narrative anchors the team as club legend Antoine Griezmann is set to start and pull on the Atlético shirt for the very last time before his confirmed summer departure.
His presence injects vital veteran leadership as Los Rojiblancos fight for the draw they need to secure third place.
Form
Villarreal
Villarreal has stumbled at the wrong time, losing momentum during the crucial final stretch of the La Liga campaign. The Yellow Submarine managed a resounding 5-1 victory over Levante, but their form dipped sharply afterwards. They secured a 1-1 draw against Mallorca before suffering consecutive defeats—a 3-2 home loss to Sevilla and a 2-0 away defeat against Rayo Vallecano. Despite this recent slide, they maintain third place heading into the finale.
Atletico Madrid
Atlético Madrid enters the final matchday in strong domestic form, recovering well from an early May hitch. After cruising to a 2-0 win over Valencia, Diego Simeone’s side suffered a minor 1-0 setback against Celta Vigo. However, Los Rojiblancos bounced back strongly, securing a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against Osasuna followed by a crucial 1-0 triumph over Girona. This late push puts them level on 69 points with Villarreal.
Predicted lineups
Villarreal: Luiz Junior; Mourino, Veiga, Marin, Pedraza; Pepe, Parejo, Gueye, Moleiro; G Moreno, Mikautadze
Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Baena, Koke, Almada; Lookman, Griezmann, Simeone
How to watch Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid?
You can watch the Villarreal vs. Atlético Madrid match live in the UK through Premier Sports.
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