Villarreal vs Atletico prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, May 24, 2026
LaLiga Spain
In the 38th round of the Spanish La Liga on May 24, 2026, Villarreal and Atletico will meet. This is a central fixture, as representatives of the top four are facing off and the winner will secure third place.
Villarreal vs Atletico: Team News and Expert Analysis
The ambitious club from 'La Cerámica' surprised many by parting ways with Marcelino in the summer. Under his guidance, the team recovered from a slump two seasons ago and then climbed into the top five, earning a return to the Champions League. However, the Spaniards performed disastrously there, collecting just one point—perhaps that was when the coach's fate was sealed. Even so, he is still successfully competing for third place in La Liga! Yet, after the announcement of his resignation, the team managed only a draw with Mallorca and suffered defeats to Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano.
The capital's giants managed to reclaim third place a year ago. But now they are losing it again to their current opponent. However, after wins over Osasuna and Girona, they have caught up on points. It appears that Simeone may have sacrificed this tournament, as, by beating Barcelona elsewhere, he came close to winning titles. Ultimately, though, his side lost to Real Sociedad on penalties in the cup final, and Arsenal scored one more in the Champions League semifinals.
Marcelino's team is still finishing the season confidently, scoring 1.81 goals per match while conceding only 1.22. Madrid’s stars have a less favorable goal comparison: they score 1.65 and concede 1.05 per game.
Previous Matches: Villarreal vs Atletico
In the last fifteen meetings, Villarreal has won only once. There have been plenty of draws, but this season Alvarez and company won 2-0 in September.
The hosts have "lost their shape." The experienced visitors are capable of at least not losing (odds – 1.60).
Villarreal vs Atletico: Key Statistics and Trends
- Villarreal have not won their last three matches
- 62% of Villarreal's matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per game is 3.03
- Atletico have won twice in their last four games
- 51% of Atletico's matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per game is 2.7
Villarreal vs Atletico: Probable Starting Lineups
Villarreal is expected to play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Tenas - Pedraza, Renato Veiga, Navarro, Freeman - Moleiro, Parejo, Comesaña, Pepe - Mikautadze, Moreno. Foyth hasn't recovered in time.
Atletico is expected to use a 1-4-5-1 formation (possible lineup): Musso - Lenglet, Le Normand, Julio Diaz del Romo, Bonllar - Almada, Vargas, Morsillo, Molina, Mendoza - Griezmann. Barrios, Gimenez, and Alvarez are injured.
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow the team's progress in the Spanish La Liga standings.
