Atlético and Villarreal throw a pulse of the good

Atlético and Villarreal throw a pulse of the good

Those of 'Cholo' and those of Emery debuted well and want to fight for everything

MADRID, 20 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Atlético de Madrid hosts Villarreal this Sunday (19:30) at the Cívitas Metropolitano on the occasion of the second day of LaLiga Santander, a quality match that measures two teams with high aspirations this season and who made a good debut.

Diego Pablo Simeone's team opens the local season after his debut last Monday, not far away, with a 0-3 win over Getafe. The renowned rojiblanco stadium will eagerly welcome a new course with the Argentine coach in front, more than a decade looking to be among the best.

Last year was not the most outstanding, despite the reaction in the last two months to achieve the 'Top 3' and qualify for the Champions League. For this reason, the 'Cholo' seems to have reinforced the hunger of his team and the preseason already saw a strong, vertical Atlético and without speculating on the pitch for victory.

Getafe was the first to suffer it, with a special punch led by Álvaro Morata. After two years at Juventus, the Madrid striker did not have a clear place, but based on goals he has convinced Simeone. The other great red and white hope is Joao Félix, who seems to be at the gates of his best moment.

The Portuguese also left flashes at the Coliseum, two luxury assists, and already the final stretch of last season showed the quality for which he was signed. The footballing maturity of Joao Félix and the goals of Morata are not enough for a long year, and Atlético also hopes to recover the best Lemar, Griezmann, Carrasco and Saúl also back.

On the other hand, defensive solidity was also a problem last year, for which Witsel has been appointed boss. Felipe and José María Giménez have recovered after being absent for the debut, but it remains to be seen if they earn a place against the Belgian and Savic. Reinildo could be another important factor in the athletic year after his rapid adaptation and a character that hits a lot with the rojiblanco.

Meanwhile, for Villarreal it is also another season of challenges. The submarine, immersed this week in gaining access to the group stage of the UEFA Conference League, hopes to improve their league performance and return to the top continental competition. Unai Emery's men debuted the League last week with a convincing 0-3 win over Valladolid at the José Zorrilla.

The yellow team is still putting together its squad, with the recent departure of Paco Alcácer, the possibility of another striker arriving with the rumors about Edinson Cavani, and also losing some important piece like Foyth. After 4-2 against Hajduk Split and with the second leg next Thursday, Emery will have to repeat some position to perform against an Atlético that marks a challenge.

"If we have learned anything, it is to play Europe and the League. It is true that with different results in both competitions. Europe with enrollment and the League rather regular, with seventh place in the last two years," said the Basque coach, giving normality to the two games in a week and remembering that the League is a priority. DATA SHEET:

MADRID ATHLETIC: Oblak; Molina, Savic, Witsel, Reinildo, Saul; Llorente, Coke, Lemar; Joao Felix, Lover.

VILLARREAL: Rulli; Foyth, Albiol, Pau Torres, Pedraza; Yéremi, Capoue, Parejo, Coquelin; Gerard, Jackson.

--ARBITOR: De Burgos Bengoetxea (C. Vasco).

--STADIUM: Cívitas Metropolitano.

--TIME: 19:30/Dazn.