Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal: Simeone’s Team Aims for Perfect Start
Atlético Madrid return to the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday with their early-season rhythm already humming and a familiar target in sight: three points, a clean sheet, and a statement to the rest of La Liga.
Diego Simeone’s team opened their campaign with a controlled 2-0 win over Málaga CF, a performance that underlined both their depth and their discipline. The goals came from the bench, Lee Kang-in and Álex Baena stepping on and stepping up, a reminder that this squad carries threats well beyond the first XI.
The atmosphere around the club is buoyant. Last season’s strong finish at home has bled straight into this one. Atlético look organised, sharp, and in no mood to give anything away in their own stadium.
Team news: Álvarez back, Sørloth out
Simeone’s selection board is crowded with both problems and possibilities.
The headline is clear: Julián Álvarez is back. After an extended post-tournament break, the star forward has returned to full training and is ready to lead the line. His movement, pressing and finishing give Atlético a focal point they simply do not have when he is missing.
But there is a significant absentee. Alexander Sørloth remains sidelined with a muscle issue, ruling him out of contention. Atlético must also cope without long-term casualties Thomas Lemar and new defensive signing Cristian Romero, both still dealing with physical problems.
Those absences tighten options in some areas, yet open doors in others.
Tactical shape and selection battles
Simeone has settled, for now, on a flexible 1-4-1-4-1 system, with Koke anchoring deep in midfield. From that base, Atlético compress space, spring counters and swarm second balls. It suits the squad’s blend of energy and experience.
The real intrigue lies on the flanks.
Lee Kang-in and Álex Baena changed the game against Málaga CF, arriving from the bench to score and instantly alter the tempo. Their cameos have put real pressure on Carlos Martín and Arnau Ortiz, who started that opener but now feel the heat of competition.
Simeone must decide: reward the impact players with starts, or keep them as devastating options to unleash later? Either way, the message is clear—no position is safe.
Predicted Atlético Madrid XI
Jan Oblak is expected to continue in goal, protected by a back four of Marcos Llorente, David Hancko, Robin Le Normand and Álex Grimaldo.
In midfield, Pablo Barrios and Koke should form the central axis, with Giovanni Simeone, Lee Kang-in and Álex Baena providing support and width behind the main striker.
Up front, Ademola Lookman is tipped to start, with Álvarez available to lead the attack and shape the game in the final third.
Possible Atlético Madrid starting XI: Oblak; Llorente, Hancko, Le Normand, Grimaldo; Barrios, Koke; Simeone, Kang-in, Baena; Lookman.
Kick-off time and how to watch
Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal kicks off at 4pm BST on Sunday, 23rd August at the Wanda Metropolitano.
In the UK, the match will be shown live on Premier Sports 1.
Another packed house, a side in form, and a coach who knows exactly what he wants from his players. The only question now is whether Villarreal can slow Atlético’s early surge—or whether this is the afternoon Simeone’s men tighten their grip on the season’s opening weeks.
