Villarreal vs Atletico de Madrid preview - Marcelinho targets 'cherry on the cake' as Villarreal prepare for Atletico test
Posted Friday, September 25, 2015 by PA
Villarreal coach Marcelino is confident his side can cap off an "extraordinary week" by beating Atletico Madrid at Estadio El Madrigal for the first time in five years on Saturday.
The Yellow Submarine have won four league games in a row, including a 3-1 triumph over Athletic Bilbao last weekend and a 1-0 win at Malaga on Wednesday.
Fernando Tissone's goal at Malaga lifted Villarreal level on points with league leaders Real Madrid and Celta Vigo.
"To have clinched 13 of a possible 15 points is reason for us to be very happy," Marcelino said on his club's official website.
"We now hope that El Madrigal will be sold out to help us, just as it was in our game against Athletic.
"To beat Atletico Madrid would be the cherry on the cake to an extraordinary week.
"I'm really proud and satisfied with the performances of my players."
Not since October 2010 have Villarreal prevailed against Atletico at home, with the Rojiblancos having won two of their last three meetings at El Madrigal.
Victory over an in-form Villarreal would be a big boost in confidence for Atletico ahead of a challenging week.
Atletico, also known as Los Colchoneros, host Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday before taking on Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in the derby on October 4.
"We need to keep growing game after game," Atletico forward Angel Correa said on his club's official website. "We need to continue on this path.
"We expect a difficult game on Saturday but Atletico has done well in recent years in Villarreal and we hope that will be the case this weekend.
"Our fans can be calm because this team will go into every game determined to win and give its all."
Atletico, one point behind Villarreal, are riding a three-match winning streak in all competitions.
The Rojiblancos have kept a clean sheet in their last three encounters and have French forward Antoine Griezmann in sizzling form.
Griezmann's two goals handed Atletico a 2-0 victory over Getafe on Tuesday.
The French forward has now scored six goals in five games.
"Griezmann is a very important player for our team," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. "He is going through a very good spell and has grown a lot."
Griezmann is set to lead his team's attack alongside Fernando Torres, whose next goal will be his 100th for Atletico.
Argentinian forward Luciano Vietto, who joined Atletico on a six-year deal from Villarreal this summer, is unlikely to start against his former club.
Atletico are without injured midfielder Koke but Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez has shaken off a knock sustained in midweek and will play.
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