Atlético Madrid and Villarreal meet at the Estadio Metropolitano on the second weekend of the new La Liga season. These clubs are both hoping to kick on following top-four finishes last term.
Atlético Madrid to make changes following midweek win
Despite being without a number of key players, Atlético Madrid started their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Málaga on Wednesday. Excellent strikes from substitutes Álex Baena and Lee Kang-in settled the contest.
Either of those two could come into the side, while Giuliano Simeone and Marcos Llorente are also likely to return on the right flank. Julián Álvarez may feature in the matchday squad, as we near the end of a summer that has seen the forward push for a move away.
With Alexander Sørloth still a fitness doubt, winger Ademola Lookman will again be used as an emergency striker. The Nigerian netted four times in 12 league appearances last term, following a January move from Atalanta.
Atlético Madrid predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Grimaldo; Koke, Barrios; Simeone, Lee, Baena; Lookman.
Mikautadze to lead the way as Villarreal target first victory
Despite securing Champions League qualification for the second season running, Villarreal opted to replace Marcelino with Iñigo Pérez this summer. The new coach started with a 2-2 draw away to Racing Santander.
He should have a full squad to select from here, with the exception of the suspended Alassane Diatta. Major changes are not expected, with Pérez keen to build some continuity as he bids to get his ideas across.
Georges Mikautadze assisted a goal last time out, and he’s expected to be the main offensive threat for the Yellow Submarine again this season. The Georgia international contributed 13 goals and six assists in his debut campaign in La Liga.
Villarreal predicted lineup vs Atlético Madrid (4-2-3-1): Júnior; Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga, Romero; Gueye, Comesaña; Pépé, Ayoze, Moleiro; Mikautadze.
Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal Prediction
- Safe Tip: Atlético Madrid to win or draw
- Odds: 1.264 (22Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Atlético Madrid 2-1 Villarreal
- 22Bet Booking Code: L2PUX
Key stats:
- Atlético Madrid have only lost 10% of their home games since the start of La Liga 2024/25.
- Villarreal have won on just one of their previous nine trips to the Estadio Metropolitano.
- The Yellow Submarine lost five of their six fixtures against fellow top-four opponents last term.
Backing Atlético Madrid to win or draw is the best option. The Estadio Metropolitano is a fortress for Los Rojiblancos, with their home win rate last season standing at an excellent 79% in the league.
Villarreal weren’t at their best on matchday one and needed to face 17 shots against newly-promoted opposition. Their poor record in the 2025/26 Champions League, when they only collected one point in eight matches, highlights how they lack belief against the stronger teams.
Atlético Madrid vs Villarreal Prediction, Value Tip
- Value Tip: Both teams to score
- Odds: 1.727 (22Bet)
- 22Bet Booking Code: ZCQUX
Five of the previous six meetings between these clubs have seen both teams score. That bet offers value at odds of 1.727 this weekend.
Villarreal’s games tend to deliver goals, with eight of their nine most recent competitive fixtures finishing with both teams on the scoresheet. With the likes of Alberto Moleiro and Nicolas Pépé supporting Mikautadze, they have enough firepower to score.
Verdict: Atlético Madrid to win or draw (1.264) — Atlético Madrid 2-1 Villarreal
