Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid Predictions

• Atletico won home and away to Villarreal last season
• The hosts were beaten in six of their seven home clashes with the top seven last term
• Villarreal have seen more big departures, a year on from losing three of their first four after a summer exodus

High hopes for Atletico

Atletico Madrid are emerging as the biggest challengers to city rivals Real, following a summer of impressive signings. Their front line has been bolstered by signing Julian Alvarez from Man City and Villarreal’s Alexander Sorloth. The Golden Boot runner-up returns to his former side in their opener, but can Atleti establish their title credentials?

Villarreal have had another summer of change, with Filip Jorgensen and Jorge Cuenca departing alongside Sorloth. Last summer’s departures contributed to a slow start that ultimately cost Villarreal a European spot, losing three of their first four.

Villarreal are set for another slow start this time, especially with a difficult opener in prospect. The Yellow Submarine lost six of their home meetings with the top seven last term, suffering defeats home and away to Atletico.

The visitors saw their form pick up late last term after an underwhelming campaign. They return to action strengthened, with Euro 2024 winner Robin Le Normand’s arrival set to return them to their defensive standard of old. As a result, Atletico look like good value to win their opener.