Villarreal’s excellent start to the season continued as Leo Baptistao fired home an early goal to give the Yellow Submarine three points against Atlético Madrid and top spot on the table.
Both teams have started brightly in the new season and were looking at the chance of taking three points off a rival. Yet it was Villarreal who continued their fine form, with Leo Baptistao firing home against his parent club in the 14th minute which leaves the Yellow Submarine still unbeaten in the league.
Diego Simeone opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Antoine Griezmann and Jackson Martínez leading the line. However, the visitors were unable to take advantage of some threatening play. Their wastefulness would come back to haunt them as Baptistao collected a pass from Roberto Soldado, coolly putting the ball past Jan Oblak.
Villarreal continued to pressure and the newly rejuvenated Soldado forced an alert Oblak into a sharp save soon after the first goal. Atléti almost drew level through Martínez, but his effort just before the end of the first half was denied by defender Eric Bailly, who excellently pressured the Colombian.
Simeone utilised his depth and brought on Fernando Torres and Luciano Vietto at half time for the ineffective Martínez and Gabi, moving to a more attacking 4-4-3 formation. Marcelino also made a change with goal scorer Baptistao making way.
Torres was quick to be involved in the action with an effort on goal that was superbly kept out by Alphonse Areola. Atléti would continue to pressure for an equaliser with Griezmann, Óliver Torres and Ángel Correa all having chances to salvage a point for the visitors, however with excellent defending and saves from Areola, the home side walked away with the vital three points and a place on top of the table. On the opposite side, the result leaves Simeone to question his attackers ahead of their Champions League fixture against Benfica.
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