Atlético knew, after the battle against Bayer, that Villarreal was going to be a litmus test. Good team, very good, that of Marcelino, who already in Castellón took two points from the red and whites in the LaLiga debut. Simeone's men knew the need to win to put pressure on Real Madrid, the leader, in their visit to Pucela tonight. A pressure that, on this occasion, turned against them with a draw that knows little… and could leave Ancelotti's team at four if they play their part in the battle between Champions League duels. What a pulse awaits in the remainder of LaLiga.
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Lino, the plunger
He did it against Sevilla, coming out in the second act. He repeated it against Villarreal, being one of Simeone's three changes in a duel that was being lost at half-time. Samuel Lino is not having an easy season after his great emergence last year, but he is still reliable in picking up games that go wrong. Their draw put Atlético in a match in which some decisions by Sánchez Martínez ended up making them desperate.
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Witsel and those mistakes… unforgivable
Axel Witsel, as MARCA reported, will not continue at Atlético next year. His work these years has been commendable, becoming a top-level center back after a life as a midfielder. The Belgian, in any case, takes his last steps in the elite and has less and less prominence in an Atlético that does not stop raising the level. Against Villarreal he returned to the eleven and made a big mistake in the play in which Reinildo ended up committing a more than doubtful penalty. The 20th, however, was partially compensated with a cross in which Gerard had everything to make it 0-2. Be that as it may, Atlético must say goodbye in a big way to an Axel who gave more than expected.
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Gerard would have reached the sky if it weren't for the injuries
He scored 0-1 from 11 meters but Gerard Moreno, we talked about him, was a real nightmare for Atlético's defense. Villarreal's number 7 once again gave a lesson in what an attacking player should do… and not only in the area. His movements outside are truly playful, a constant in his career since he started aiming to be the best Spanish striker. Only recurring injuries have prevented him from reaching a much higher level. A shame for his talent.
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This Villarreal will fight for the Champions League until the end
They arrived at the Metropolitano 11 behind the leader and six behind fourth place, the one held by Athletic, tied with Barça in third place. Villarreal knew everything that was at stake against Atlético for the option of approaching the area that gives access to the next Champions League. Marcelino, one of the best coaches, played an intelligent game and was, in the first half, able to nullify the rojiblancos to go 0-1 at halftime. Regardless of the final result, this Villarreal will fight for the top positions until the end. Nobody can doubt it.
