Atletico Madrid travelled to the El Madrigal on Sunday knowing that three points against Villarreal would move them top of the La Liga table.
Atletico led inside two minutes when Mario Gaspar headed into his own goal, with that effort all that separated the two sides at the interval.
Villarreal pressed for an equaliser in the second period and levelled 10 minutes from time when Juanfran turned into his own net from close range.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our penultimate live La Liga commentary of the evening comes from El Madrigal as Villarreal welcome Atletico Madrid in arguably the match of the weekend in Spain. A total of 23 points has left the home side in fourth spot in the table, while victory for Atletico this evening would move them top of the table, for a couple of hours at least.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico have won three of the last five, with Villarreal also collecting two wins during the same period. Atletico were 1-0 winners in this stadium in May 2012, but Villarreal secured home wins against their capital opponents in both April 2010 and October 2010.
TEAMS:
VILLARREAL: Asenjo; Mario, Musacchio, Gabriel, Costa; Bruno, Pina, Cani; Perez, Pereira, Uche
ATLETICO MADRID: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Alderweireld, Insua; Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Garcia; Villa, Costa
So there we have it. Villarreal are without the injured Giovani dos Santos this evening, but Jonathan Pereira does come into the team. There are also starts for Gabriel Paulista and Jaume Costa. Atletico, meanwhile, are without Filipe Luis and Diego Godin, meaning that Insua and Toby Alderweireld come into the XI. Raul Garcia also starts.
Villarreal’s form has been patchy in recent weeks with two defeats from their last five, but they enter the match off the back of a 1-0 win over Elche last time out. That result has enough to consolidate fourth spot in the table. They weren’t exactly expected to struggle on their return to La Liga, but they have been the surprise package thus far.
The Yellow Submarine’s home form has been impressive with four wins, one draw and just one defeat on their own patch. Meanwhile, they have also won three times on the road. Goals have not been a problem either with 20 in their 12 matches. They have also been compact in defence with just 12 goals conceded – keeping four clean sheets in the process.
Atletico, meanwhile, have been just stunning this season. Diego Simeone’s side have won 11 of their 12 league matches, with their only defeat coming against Espanyol. As mentioned, they sit second in the table on 33 points, but would move above Barcelona with victory, as the Catalan outfit do not play until later this evening, when they travel to Real Betis.
As mentioned, Atletico have been beaten just once this season, with that defeat coming on the road against Espanyol. They have won all six on their own patch, meanwhile, scoring 20 times in the process. It will come as no surprise that they have the second-best defensive record this season with just eight conceded, while they have scored 30 times.
It had been questioned whether Atletico could balance European football with La Liga this season. Well, I think that has now been answered. The capital outfit have glided into the latter stages having won all four of their group matches. They are, without question, in with a chance of securing success in both Europe and at home this season.
PREDICTION: There is no question that Villarreal have been the success story of the season and they indeed enter this match with a strong home record. However, Atletico have shown that they can go away and win these type of matches. I think it will be tight, but I am backing a 2-1 Atletico victory.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. As expected, full house inside the stadium. Let's hope for entertainment on this mild evening in Spain. Atletico get the action underway at El Madrigal.
Bright start from the away side as Juanfran collects possession on the right before attempting to find Costa, but Mario is across to clear at the vital moment. Villarreal are down the other end with Uche moments later, but the move breaks down as Miranda clears. All-action opening two minutes to proceedings at El Madrigal.
GOAL! Villarreal 0-1 Atletico Madrid (Koke)
Atletico take the lead inside two minutes as Koke heads Juanfran's cross into the back of the net. How on earth was he allowed to make that header? Stunning start from the away side and as it stands, they are top of the table.
Villarreal attempt to respond down the right as Pina picks put Perez with a fine pass, but Juanfran is across to clear at the vital moment. A half-chance arrives for Cani moments later following a slip from Miranda, but somehow the experienced midfielder fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar.
Good response from Villarreal as they continue to fire high balls into the box, but Atletico stand strong to clear the danger. I have a feeling that we could have goals in this match. Gabi takes a sore one moments later from Mario, but the referee takes no action. End-to-end football as Tiago strikes one down the other end, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar.
The free-kick count continues to rise as Gabi fells Pereira outside the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Bruno, but Courtois is across to make a fine save. It has been a good response from the home side, who fell behind courtesy of a header from Koke. However, Atletico are used to soaking up pressure. It has been an entertaining 10 minutes of football.
Atletico enjoy a period of pressure as they force Villarreal into their own box. However, a deep corner from Gabi is cleared by Mario, before Koke crosses into the arms of Asenjo. The Yellow Submarine do have a half-chance on the counter through Bruno, but his effort is straight into the body of Brazilian centre-back Miranda.
CHANCE! Clear opportunity for Villarreal as Cani feeds Pereira inside the box, but the Spaniard's effort just flashes wide of the post. It has been some response from the home side, but you have to worry about the space they are leaving Atletico on the counter. It is difficult to imagine that we will not see more goals in this one.
The referee has been more involved than he would like in the last couple of moments, with the challenges arriving in the middle of the park. Slight problem for Bruno as he leaves the field with a head injury, but he does return with a bandage for his troubles. Not too much from Atletico as an attacking threat since the opener.
Yellow card for Bruno as the Villarreal midfielder dives into the back of Garcia, with the Atletico man hitting the ground. It has been that type of match in the last couple of moments. The resulting free kick is whipped into the box by Gabi, but Miranda's header is straight into the arms of the waiting Asenjo.
Poor defending from Villarreal as Mario attempts to find his own goalkeeper, only to play it short. Villa is buzzing around the box, but the danger is cleared at the vital moment. Villarreal are on the counter moments later, but Tiago gains a booking for fouling Perez. The referee is setting the tone with a number of early bookings here.
Half-chance for Atletico on the counter as Gabi feeds Costa, but the Spaniard just cannot move beyond Mario at the final moment. The end-to-end period of the match continues as Pereira breaks down the other end, but Garcia fells the Spaniard. Stop-start tempo with 23 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for the away side as Gabi's free kick is met by Miranda, but his header is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Villarreal break down the other end with Uche, but the Nigerian does not have the pace to move past Insua. Plenty happening with 25 minutes on the clock at the El Madrigal.
Neither side has been able to get any flow going in the opening 28 minutes of football as the challenges continue to force the referee into action. This type of match will suit Atletico, who are comfortable defending crosses into their own box. You just get the feeling that Villarreal need to score the next goal if they are to take something from this fixture.
Gabi takes matters into his own hands moments later as he strikes one from outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Clear chances have been few and far between, but Atletico remain in the lead with 30 minutes on the clock. Just a reminder that, as it stands, Atletico will move top of the table.
Another half-chance for the home side as Pereira drives past Juanfran before finding a low cross into the box, but Tiago is on hand to clear at the vital moment. We have not seen too much from Uche in the opening 32 minutes of football. Villa strikes one on goal down the other end, but Asenjo makes the save before setting up another counter.
Villarreal continue to deliver deep crosses into the Atletico box, but Atletico are used to dealing with this sort of threat. However, we have not seen much from Costa and Villa thus far. I cannot remember the last time so many free kicks were awarded in a half of football. The referee has had a busy half there is no question about that.
Another free kick for Villarreal just outside the Atletico box as Alderweireld fells Uche, who had been moving into the box. The resulting set piece is taken by Bruno, but his effort is straight into the wall. Costa is on the break for Atletico moments later, but the move breaks down. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
Another half-chance for Koke to score his second as the Spanish international finds some space inside the box before attempting to curl one towards the top corner, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Bruno is down the other end moments later, but Juanfran clears at the vital moment. End-to-end football in this La Liga contest.
Possession football from Villarreal in the latter stages of the first period as they continue to pass and probe outside the Atletico box, but they are finding it difficult to break through. Mario takes matters into his own hands moments later with an effort from outside the box, but Juanfran deflects it for a corner, which is headed clear by Tiago.
The pressure continues from the home side as Pina collects a loose ball outside the box before attempting to find the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Atletico are down the other end with Garcia moments later, but Costa heads his cross into the arms of Asenjo.
CHANCE! One-way traffic as Villarreal continue to deliver high balls into the box. Another chance comes for Mario as he meets a cross from Pereira, but his effort is wide of the post. That should be just about that for the first period.
HALF TIME: Villarreal 0-1 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Atletico leading 1-0 at the Villarreal. The home side have certainly been the more active in the final third, but Koke's header after two minutes has handed Atletico the lead. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
STATISTICS: Villarreal have had more of the possession with 64%, while they have had six attempts to Atletico's four. Both teams have registered just the one shot on target. The referee, meanwhile, has been forced to issue two yellow cards. It might have been more with the number of challenges that have occurred.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench in the shape of Perbet, Aquino and Trigueros. Meanwhile, Atletico have options with the likes of Turan, Adrian and Oliver Torres in reserve. Both teams have players that could have an influence in the second period.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Just a reminder that, as it stands, Atletico would move top of the table with Barcelona not in action until later this evening, when they travel to basement club Real Betis. Right, the home side get the second 45 minutes of action underway.
You just get the feeling that Villarreal need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. It is difficult to imagine the home side recovering from 2-0 against this Atletico side. No changes for either side at the interval, which is not much of a surprise. Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium with 48 minutes on the clock.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the early stages of the second period, with both sides attempting to feel their way into the fixture. Uche gathers possession outside the Atletico box before attempting to turn past Miranda, but the Brazilian stands his ground before finding Garcia, whose heels are clipped by Bruno in the middle of the park.
Another half-chance for the home side as Cani sets up Bruno on the edge of the box, but his effort is straight into the body of Alderweireld. Villarreal want a penalty, but the referee is not interested. We have seen little from Villa and Costa in this match thus far. However, I suspect both will have their say at some point as the half gathers pace.
Villarreal continue to enjoy possession in the middle of the park with Bruno and Cani dictating the tempo. Neither Gabi nor Tiago have been able to dictate proceedings thus far. However, Atletico are more than capable of closing this match out 1-0. I suspect Marcelino will start to think about changes in the next 10 minutes or so.
There is no out-ball for Atletico at the moment with Villa and Costa struggling to make an impact in the final third. It would not be a surprise if Diego Simeone looked to introduce Adrian to provide some pace in the final third. However, Villarreal are still struggling to break through this stern Atletico defence.
Raul Garcia just needs to be a little bit careful here as he clashes with Pereira on the right. Tiago is another who is dangerously close to receiving a red card as he dives into another challenge with Bruno. Uche finds possession inside the box moments later, but Miranda manages to hook clear.
Double change for the home side as Trigueros and Aquino replace Pina and Perez. That should freshen up the Villarreal attack. Still no movement on the Atletico bench, but Turan would be the obvious change. Pereira finds himself inside the Atletico box moments later, but Courtois is out to claim at the vital moment.
Atletico do indeed look to their bench and it is Turan that enters proceedings in place of Garcia, who is on a yellow card. That is not much of a surprise. The away side have hardly threatened in the second period, but they remain in the lead with little over 25 minutes of football to play at El Madrigal.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Pereira as the Villarreal attacker collects possession outside the box before turning past Miranda and attempting to find the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. Villarreal are getting closer, but you just wonder whether they are going to be made to regret those missed opportunities.
Just a reminder that Atletico will move top of the table if they secure all three points this evening. Although Barcelona can regain top spot with victory against Real Betis in the late start. Villarreal continue to pass and probe outside the Atletico box, but another attack breaks down as Insua comes across to clear.
Safe to say that it has not been Costa's evening thus far. The Spaniard thinks he has a one-on-one chance with Asenjo as he picks the pocket of Mario, only for the referee to blow for a free kick. From the resulting set piece, Aquino attempts to find the bottom corner, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.
Another half-chance for the away side as Gabi delivers a deep free kick into the Villarreal box, but Asenjo is on hand to collect. The Yellow Submarine break down the other end with Aquino moments later, but the Mexican's cross is straight into the arms of Courtois. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in this La Liga contest.
Villarreal make their third and final change of the evening as Perbet replaces Pereira, who has struggled to influence proceedings this evening. Atletico have a free kick, meanwhile, as Juanfran is felled by Costa. Turan delivers into the box, but Paulista is on hand to clear with a towering header.
Another half-chance for the home side as Trigueros finds some space outside the box before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but Courtois is on hand to collect. Atletico are down the other end with Costa moments later, but the striker is edged out. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining.
Nervous defending from the home side as Costa and Villa both close Paulista, but the Brazilian manages to clear at the vital moment. The home side have possession down the other end moments later as they attempt to pass and probe outside the box, but again the move breaks down at the final moment. Atletico are so compact defensively.
GOAL! Villarreal 1-1 Atletico Madrid (Uche)
Villarreal level with little over 10 minutes remaining as Uche turns Perbet's low cross into the back of the net. Game on with still 10 minutes of football remaining.
One-way traffic as the home side continue to force the issue through Perbet, who breaks into the heart of the Atletico defence, but Miranda is across to clear at the vital moment. Atletico have hardly had a sniff in the second period, but will feel confident of creating a chance of two in the latter stages.
Atletico make their second change of the match as Adrian replaces Costa, who has really struggled to make an impact this evening. You just get the feeling that there will be chances as the match opens up in the final five minutes or so. It is understood that Villarreal's goal has been awarded as an own goal for Juanfran.
Better from Atletico in the last couple of moments as they force the issue in the final third, but Gabi's effort is blocked by Mario. A counter for the home side arrives moments later, but Juanfran is across to challenge Uche. Still time for either side to collect all three points in this one.
Atletico have been really poor this evening there is no question about that. The away side simply cannot keep the ball as wave after wave of pressure arrives from Villarreal. I suspect that three minutes will be added, which is plenty of time for someone to make themselves a hero.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. Atletico deliver a deep cross into the Villarreal box, but the referee awards a free kick after Miranda tangles with Mario. Little over one minute of football remaining.
FULL TIME: Villarreal 1-1 Atletico Madrid
So there we have it. The referee brings the match to an end with Villarreal holding Atletico to a 1-1 draw. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Real Betis against Barcelona.
