Atlético Madrid were unable to secure a win in their most recent La Liga clash against Villarreal. The Rojiblancos hosted Marcelino’s side at the Civitas Metropolitano, with both teams aiming to claim vital points in the league race.
The encounter saw Villarreal strike first, as Gerard Moreno opened the scoring. Atlético managed to find a response through Samuel Lino, whose equalizer ensured a share of the spoils. Despite pushing for a winner, Simeone’s side couldn’t break through Villarreal’s defense, leaving the match locked at 1-1.
The result marked a missed opportunity for Atlético to gain ground in the league standings, adding pressure as they prepare for their next fixture.
De Paul Suspended After Key Booking
Adding to Atlético’s frustrations was the suspension of Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentine midfielder, a key figure in Simeone’s setup, featured as a substitute, coming on at halftime in place of Conor Gallagher.
However, De Paul’s evening was marred by a yellow card, his fifth of the current La Liga campaign. This booking triggered an automatic one-match suspension, ruling him out of Atlético’s next match. The suspension comes at an unfortunate time, as Atlético look to strengthen their position in the league.
De Paul’s absence will force Simeone to shuffle his midfield options when the team faces Mallorca on February 1st.
Next Steps for Atlético Madrid
The Rojiblancos must regroup quickly as they prepare to welcome Mallorca to the Metropolitano. With La Liga entering a crucial phase, every point is essential in the race for the top spots. Simeone will need his side to deliver a strong performance, even without the services of De Paul.
Fans will be hoping the setback against Villarreal and the midfielder’s suspension won’t derail the team’s momentum as they aim to maintain their position among La Liga’s elite.
