Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups, and Team News | La Liga, January 25, 2025
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal Preview
- Tournament: La Liga
- Date: Saturday, January 25
- Kick-off Time: 03:15 PM GMT
- Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid.
Giants Atletico de Madrid are set to host Villarreal CF for their 21st La Liga 2024-25 game. This happens to be a game between two clubs who sit at the cream of the Spanish top tier in the ongoing season. A win would be crucial in this one for both, as it would dictate their faith in the top 4 zone and also the race for the championship.
Atletico de Madrid would have very well led the table had they not suffered a shocking loss against CD Leganes in their last league game. The side is going strong with its “park the bus” approach, and are now placed second in between leaders Real Madrid and third-placed FC Barcelona.
They have 44 points from their 20 games, which comes from 13 wins, five draws, and just two losses. They will be playing this game coming from a high-voltage UEFA Champions League group phase game, where they clinched a win against German defending champions Bayer Leverkusen.
On the other hand, visitors Villarreal CF are here after a convincing win against RCD Mallorca. The win helped them stand at the fifth spot with 33 points, from a total of nine wins, six draws, and five losses.
Atletico Madrid Team News
Alexander Sorloth is expected to be rested for this game, owing to his injury. Javi Galan is out as he is suspended. Missing these two vital players and playing a game just after the UCL tie can make coach Diego Simeone opt for a 4-4-2 formation, instead of the 5-4-1 they last played with.
Villarreal CF Team News
Villarreal CF are also expected to be without three injured players: Diego Conde, Alfonso Pedraza, and Ilias Akhomach. Marcelino García Toral is however expected to manage even without these unavailable players.
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal Predicted Lineups
Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Oblak
Defenders: Molina, Gimenez, Lenglet, Le Normand
Midfielders: Simeone, De Paul, Barrios, Gallagher
Forwards: Griezmann, Alvarez
Villarreal CF Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Luiz Junior
Defenders: Femenia, Foyth, Costa, S Cardona
Midfielders: Pino, Gueye, Parejo, Baena
Forwards: Perez, Barry
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal H2H Record
Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF have played against each other in 43 games. Atletico Madrid have won 16 games. Villarreal CF has won 13 games. 14 matches ended in draws. Records indicate that both sides had a fierce rivalry.
| Scoreline | Date | Competition |
| Villarreal 2-2 Atletico Madrid | 2024/08/20 | La Liga |
| Villarreal 1-2 Atletico Madrid | 2024/04/02 | La Liga |
| Atletico Madrid 3-1 Villarreal | 2023/11/13 | La Liga |
| Villarreal 2-2 Atletico Madrid | 2023/06/04 | La Liga |
| Atletico Madrid 0-2 Villarreal | 2022/08/21 | La Liga |
Key Players to Watch in Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal
Julián Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)
The forward ought to be the most hyped player in the squad at this moment. He put up a brilliant show against Bayer Leverkusen, scoring a brace, and striking the winner at the last minute of the UCL game. It would be interesting to see if he can display a similar play against the fifth-placed in the domestic league.
While his UCL stats are brilliant, striking six goals in just seven games, in La Liga he has been dull. The Argentine has only six goals, and two assists in 20 games. He has only a goal in his last five league games, with a low xG of 1.68. With Sorloth unavailable, this could be his chance to shine.
Thierno Barry (Villarreal CF)
The French striker has been a vital player in Villarreal’s attack this season. He hails seven goals, three assists in 19 La Liga games, which amounts to 28% of the total goals the club scored. In the past five matches, he has been good with three goals, and an assist, with a xG of 3.44.
It would be interesting to see if the bargained buy from FC Basel would be effective against the toughest defense in the league.
Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal Prediction
Hosts Atletico Madrid are expected to win this game as they hail a superb defense, which is almost impossible to hamper. Villarreal CF are however expected to put up a strong fight, owing to a fast attack, and a tired opponent coming from a rough game.
Predicted Score: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Villarreal CF
Where to Watch Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal Live?
| Country | Where to watch |
| USA | ESPN+ |
| UK | Sky Sports |
| Spain | DAZN Spain |
| India | gxr.world |
FAQs
Q. When is Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal?
The Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal game will be played on Saturday, January 25 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid.
Q. Where to watch Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal live for free?
The game between Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal can be watched on Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.
Q. What is the predicted score in Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal?
The predicted score for Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal is Atletico Madrid 1-0 Villarreal CF.
Q. What is the head-to-head record for Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal?
Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF have played against each other in 43 games. Atletico Madrid have won 16 games. Villarreal CF has won 13 games. 14 matches ended in draws.