Villarreal
Atlético de Madrid
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2.45
Expected Goals (xG)
1.16
-1.47
Prevented goals
-1.47
Passing by
433 (86%)
Accurate passes
467 (88%)
Lineup data will be available 1 hour before kick-off
The League Standings – First Division
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – LaLiga2
Villarreal demolished Atletico Madrid 5-1 at home to secure third place in La Liga, with Ayoze Perez scoring twice in a dominant attacking display.
Villarreal put in an impressive performance on May 24, dismantling Atletico Madrid with five goals to move three points clear of their visitors in the title race. The Yellow Submarine controlled the contest from start to finish, with Perez leading a clinical display of finishing that left the visitors searching for answers.
The hosts entered the game sitting third with 72 points from 38 games. Atlético came fourth with 69 points, three behind. Both sides went into this clash in mixed form, but Villarreal’s recent record suggested the momentum was building in their favour.
Villarreal scored first in the 30th minute when Dani Parejo converted a penalty. The midfielder stepped forward with confidence and fired past the keeper to give the home side an early lead.
Four minutes later, Pérez doubled the score. The striker struck in the 34th minute to put Villarreal in control. The attack intent of the yellow submarine was clear and relentless.
Georges Mikautadze extended the lead in the 40th minute with a fine finish. Villarreal’s dominance was reflected on the scoreboard as they built a significant three-goal cushion before the break.
Atlético pulled one back in the 43rd minute through Mateo Pubill. The goal offered a brief hope of a comeback, but it proved to be little more than a consolation as the visitors fell well behind.
Pape Gueye added a fourth for Villarreal just before the break in the 45th minute. The home side went into the break 4-1 up, having produced a masterclass in attacking football.
In the second half, Villarreal continued its merciless dominance. Pérez completed his double in the 54th minute, securing the fifth goal and a personal comeback of two. His performance earned him a match rating of 9.5, the highest on the pitch.
Atlético created limited chances throughout the match. They have only managed four shots on goal compared to Villarreal’s eight. The visitors’ 52 percent possession advantage was meaningless in the face of the hosts’ clinical finishing.
Villarreal controlled the game with 501 passes with 86 percent accuracy. Atlético completed 467 passes with 88 percent accuracy, but were unable to convert possession into goals. The hosts generated an expected goals total of 2.45, while Atlético managed just 1.16.
This victory takes Villarreal to 75 points with one game remaining, securing third place. Atlético’s defeat leaves them fourth with 69 points, unable to close the gap with the leaders.
