Atletico Madrid seemed to be heading top of La Liga when Filipe Luis headed them ahead early in the second half, but ended up happy with the point as Villarreal equalised through Mario Gaspar and then missed a string of chances to take the victory.
Positives
Atletico had lost on their last three visits to Villarreal, so avoiding defeat at their bogey ground can be seen as a positive. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak also again showed why he is one of the world’s best.
Negatives
Diego Simeone’s side were easily opened up when Villarreal upped the pace after falling behind and then struggled to bother goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo after the game went to 1-1.
Manager rating out of 10
6 — Atletico’s starting XI seemed designed to stifle the game in the first half, with two attack-minded substitutions at the break almost immediately bringing the opening goal. But Villarreal coach Javier Calleja’s own changes swung the game towards his team, and Simeone’s bid to introduce a more positive tactical approach continues to look stalled.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Jan Oblak, 9 — Atletico’s best player, especially in the second half with a series of excellent one-on-one stops from Gerard Moreno and Carlos Bacca. Could do nothing about the slight mis-hit from Mario which evened the scores.
RB Juanfran Torres, 5 — A couple of early excellent interventions in defence, but later struggled against the pace of Alfredo Pedraza and was caught out of position for Villarreal’s equaliser. A first half yellow card will bring an automatic one match ban.
CB Jose Maria Gimenez, 6 — A typically robust start from the Uruguayan, who got knocked on the head in both penalty areas inside the first eight minutes. Struggled more with Villarreal substitute Bacca in the second half.
CB Lucas Hernandez, 6 — Started in Diego Godin’s usual left-sided centre-back spot and was lucky that his man Gerard Moreno missed the steady stream of chances he was allowed. Was then shifted to left-back when Godin came in to steady things late on.
LB Filipe Luis, 7 — A rare goal came from an even rarer header in the opposition box, but was very cleverly taken. Was then nowhere to be seen when Gaspar equalised and was subbed off late on.
RM Koke, 6 — Did his usual solid job in midfield, although was unable to swing things his team’s way when they needed someone to control the pace and shape of the game.
CM Thomas Partey, 7 — Showed more positive intent with his passes than his fellow midfielders, but also caught in possession on occasion. One lovely back-flick nutmeg of Santi Cazorla brought appreciation from the crowd, but maybe not from his coach.
CM Rodrigo Hernandez, 6 — Back at his former club, the young holding midfielder did nothing wrong during a typically tidy first 45 minutes, and was then removed during Simeone’s tactical tweak at the break.
LM Saul Niguez, 7 — Drifted in from the wing to get a header and long range shot on target in the first half, but he was another who was unable to really influence things when Villarreal took control of midfield.
FW Nikola Kalinic, 5 — Continuing in attack with Diego Costa injured, Kalinic was not often involved in the first half, apart from one neat turn and shot. Replaced by Angel Correa at the break.
FW Antoine Griezman, 7 — He always seemed Atletico’s most likely source of a goal, and took the free kick which led to Filipe Luis’ opener. But faded out of the game when Villarreal took over in the second half.
Substitutes
FW Angel Correa, 6 — Half-time replacement failed to track Villarreal left-back Jaume Costa in build-up to equaliser, but looked dangerous down the right wing in attack.
FW Thomas Lemar, 5 — The other half-time sub was not too involved in a central attacking role alongside Griezmann, and headed a golden late chance wide from just six yards out.
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