Atletico Madrid – Villarreal

Atletico and Villarreal are very good offensively at the start of the season

On Sunday 21 August, Atletico take on Villarreal at home. Both teams made a perfect start with victories by the same score of 3-0. "The Indians took on an organised Getafe away side. Simeone's team, as in their best years, had no pity for their opponents. Far from the most obvious chances, they managed to convert them into goals. Atletico traditionally played a hybrid scheme that changed over the course of the game. The main revelation was Alvaro Morata's new role. The Spaniard replaced Antoine Griezmann. What's more, he has notched up a brace, delivering an inspired performance. Defensive organisation was not a letdown either. In defence, Atletico adapted to a five-man formation. Getafe did not have a single shot on target in the entire match. Almost a perfect match for Atletico. Thus, the club confirmed their high ambitions for the new season. Atletico certainly have no problem with confidence. Before Getafe, Simeone's side crushed Juventus in a friendly. Villarreal avoided any global changes. Unai Emery's side went out in a 4-4-2 formation and beat Valladolid by a huge margin. The match was made by the club's main talent Pino and young midfielder Baena, who scored as much in one game as he did in his entire career previously. Villarreal are also making a bid for the Champions League. Despite numerous rumours, the Submarine have retained all their leaders. This season, Emery's team are the clear candidate and one of the favourites to fight for the fourth position. Villarreal have a rather curious history of face-offs against Atletico. Last season, the opponents managed to draw twice, 2-2. That's while the Indians traditionally have a reputation of being the underdogs, and here the total was over 3. There's reason to believe the streak could continue. At the moment, both teams are very well prepared for the season. Villarreal are rightly the underdog in the line-up, but are capable of testing the reliability of the renewed defence of the favourite. The two teams have no problem with confidence, there is a willingness to play offensively. Atletico are also unlikely to have a completely closed scenario at home in the first leg. Morata has added another option in attack. Simeone now has effectively two equivalent top-tier lines among the forwards. Quite a lot of factors for goals in this match. The bookmakers are cautious about the odds for Simeone's club matches. Even a single goal in the second half could secure a return bet.