Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid

One of the most exciting match-ups on the final 2022/23 La Liga matchday pits Villarreal and Atletico Madrid against each other at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Villarreal will conclude their 2022/23 La Liga campaign without any stakes in the season finale, having secured their fourth fifth-place finish in the past seven seasons. Quique Setien’s lads have rightfully earned their Europa League qualification for the upcoming season, accumulating 16 points out of a possible 18 before their loss to Rayo Vallecano last weekend. The loyal supporters at Estadio de la Ceramica have witnessed Villarreal’s best performances during this run, with four consecutive home victories. Achieving a fifth straight win against Atletico Madrid would be a remarkable accomplishment, as it would make Villarreal only the third team in La Liga history to complete a league double over both Madrid heavyweights (Atletico and Real) in the same season.

Meanwhile, visiting Atletico Madrid have an added incentive to prevent that feat, as a victory on the final day, combined with Real Madrid’s potential failed attempt to win against Athletic Bilbao, would propel them to second place ahead of their city rivals. Otherwise, ‘Los Rojiblancos” will settle for back-to-back third-placed finishes. Diego Simeone’s men have showcased their quality by suffering only two defeats in their last 21 league matches (W15, D4). Despite their impressive form, the visitors might still experience some nervousness, considering that both of their defeats occurred in their last four away matches (W1, D1). Simeone may feel particularly uneasy, as his 33% win ratio against Villarreal in La Liga is his personal worst among teams he has faced ten or more times in the division, excluding Barcelona (9%) and Real Madrid (22%).