La Liga Preview: Villarreal – Atletico Madrid

Posted Saturday, April 17, 2010 by Goal.com

After a crucial midweek loss to Getafe, the Yellow Submarine will try to plot a new course for Europe against los Colchoneros...

Kick Off: Saturday, April 17, 2010. 22:00 CET
El Madrigal, Villarreal

Terrible Tuesday

Humbled somewhat in midweek against Getafe, the European aspirations of Villarreal took a big jolt. Against Atletico Madrid on Saturday night, the Yellow Submarine must ensure they bounce back quickly if they are to challenge once against for a Europa League place.

Prior to the midweek loss in the outskirts of Madrid, there had even been whispers suggesting that Villarreal might have had an outside chance of Champions League qualification, but their 3-0 reverse against Getafe obliterated those hopes. Defeat means that the Europa League is likely to be the best Juan Carlos Garrido’s side can play for.

Yet it could have been so much more in the capital on Tuesday evening. Prior to Miku’s opening goal, which didn’t arrive until into the second period, the visiting side created two tremendous chances to grab the lead. Giuseppe Rossi latched onto a Robert Pires pass but hit the post when clean through, before the Frenchman lashed over when well place little more than 12-yards from goal.

“This clearly is a very harsh and exaggerated result,” the coach claimed after the match. “The key was early in the second half we had three clear chances. In those first 15 minutes of the second half we missed three chances on goal that changed the game.

“We're hurting, angry and annoyed by the defeat. We must learn and do better.”

Travelling has been something of a problem for the Yellow Submarine all season, but at El Madrigal they have been far more reliable, particularly of late. Under Garrido, who took over from Ernesto Valverde at the beginning of January, the Mediterranean club have won all five of their home league encounters, and a sixth consecutive success would be very much welcome in order for the southern outfit to get some momentum back.

Another Low

Just when Atletico Madrid’s season seemed to be stabilising, they have thrown a couple of curve balls over the course of the last week. Having controversially edged past Valencia in the Europa League on the away goals rule, los Colchoneros have failed to follow such form up in the league.

A 3-0 defeat against Espanyol last weekend was shrugged off with the thought that a home win against Xerez was to follow, but it was not to be for the capital side. It all looked so promising when Sergio Aguero quickly replied after Mario Bermejo had given the guests the lead, but Emiliano Armenteros snatched the winner for los Xerecistas.

Coach Quique Sanchez Flores was not about to pass the buck, electing to shoulder the responsibility for the embarrassing loss. “I am responsible for the approach, the changes, and not knowing how to change the game. I prefer to think it's a personal error and not a collective one,” he explained to the press.

Having described the match as his “worst”, Flores quickly spoke about the forthcoming fixture against Liverpool in the Europa League. It seems that the tie against the Reds is overshadowing the domestic game for Atleti at present, and as a result, their performances have been weak.

Los Colchoneros have endured many difficult periods already this season, but they still have a chance of European football next season if they succeed either on the continent or in the Copa del Rey. The Primera Division seems to have fallen by the wayside for the time being.

FORM GUIDE

Villarreal

LOST 3-0 (a) Getafe (Liga, April 13)

WON 1-0 (h) Sporting de Gijon (Liga, April 10)

WON 2-0 (a) Valladolid (Liga, April 4)

WON 3-0 (h) Sevilla (Liga, March 28)

DREW 2-2 (a) Tenerife (Liga, March 24)

Atletico

LOST 2-1 (h) Xerez (Liga, April 14)

LOST 3-0 (a) Espanyol (Liga, April 11)

DREW 0-0 (h) Valencia (Europa League, April 8)

WON 3-0 (h) Deportivo La Coruna (Liga, April 4)

DREW 2-2 (a) Valencia (Europa League, April 1)

TEAM NEWS

Villarreal

The switch away from a 4-3-3 formation didn’t necessarily prove to be a winner for coach Garrido on Tuesday night, so expect to see it reinstated on Saturday night. Against a defence known for its frailty, Villarreal will look to quickly get onto the front foot.

There were no problems in the side ahead of the midweek game, but both Marcos Senna and Gonzalo Rodriguez are now injury concerns because of knocks picked up in the Getafe defeat.

Probable Starting XI: Diego Lopez; Angel, Godin, Gonzalo, Capdevila; Pires, Bruno, Cani; Nilmar, Rossi, Llorente

Atletico

Tomas Ujfalusi returns after missing the midweek encounter due to a red card, while Ignacio Camacho continues to battle injury. Luis Perea managed the full 90 minutes in midweek and will be expected to start at the heart of the rearguard once again.

There is the potential for change with the Liverpool game in mind, though with that being nearly a week in advance, these won’t be wholesale.

Probable Starting XI: De Gea; Valera, Perea, Dominguez, Lopez; Reyes, Assuncao, Tiago, Simao; Aguero, Forlan

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Villarreal

Getting on the front foot will be crucial for the Yellow Submarine on Saturday night, and to that end, they will look for French veteran Robert Pires to orchestrate things from the midfield. He showed a touch of his undoubted class to release a fine pass to Rossi on Tuesday, though the Italian placed his shot against the post. Already this is his most successful Liga season in terms of goals, and the veteran will feel he should have had another against Getafe. Now is his chance to make amends.

Atletico

Los Colchoneros’ defence is liable to come under some close scrutiny on Saturday night, with Villarreal boasting a dangerous offensive line. Atleti have not been noted for their defensive excellence this season, but will have to be vigalent at the back to get success this weekend. Luis Perea is one of the quickest defenders in La Liga, but his pace is not always matched by his concentration, and both have to be effectively married if the capital side are to shine.

PREDICTION

Atletico Madrid have certainly added more steel to their side over the course of the last few weeks, and for that reason they will not be easy foes for Villarreal to best. The Yellow Submarine, however, have generally been in very good form of late at El Madrigal and will back themselves to win a high scoring encounter that should enjoy plenty of entertainment value.

Villarreal 3-2 Atletico Madrid