Villarreal vs Atl. Madrid Prediction & Betting Tips (19 August)

The Yellow Submarine was not at ease last season in La Liga, even being ousted from the European spots with a final 8th place four points behind Real Bétis, last qualified for the European C4 play-off. This season, under the leadership of a convincing Marcelino in the second part of the season, Villarreal will try to return to the European skies through the Copa del Rey or the championship. Let us note for example, to symbolize the comments concerning the good 2nd part of the season, that the residents of La Ceramica only lost 4 of their last 20 championship matches last season. On the other hand, they clearly did not reassure their supporters during the preparation period with only one victory under their belt in six matches played, against FC Sion 1-3 for a record of three defeats against the promoted to PL, Leicester 1 -2, promoted to Ligue 1, Saint-Étienne 3-1 and Brighton 4-0. There are two draws against Nottingham 0-0 and Dortmund 2-2. The Colchoneros have had a quality squad for several seasons now but still cannot thwart the plans of Barça or Real Madrid.

Worse still, last season they had to settle for 4th place behind a surprising Girona team. Qualification for the Champions was achieved but it was tough with fierce competition from Athletic Bilbao who gave up after their Copa del Rey coronation in April. Furthermore, note that the Madrilenians reached the quarter-final stage of the last Big Ears Cup, notably defeating the defending champion, Inter Milan in the 1/8th final but beaten by the future finalist, Dortmund in 1/4. During the summer, Antoine Griezmann's teammates made the coffee by winning three of their four friendlies against Getafe 1-3, Kitchee 1-6 and Juventus to finish 0-2. It will be recalled that they were held in check by Numancia during the very first preparation match 1-1.

Before discussing the Villarreal transfer window, let us note that full-back and holder Foyth is still on the sidelines (injured) and will be missing, like Denis Suarez (rotation), and Pedraza (important). Talented winger Ayoze Perez (recruit from Real Bétis) remains highly uncertain. Remember that Villarreal signed Nicola Pepe, who has been struggling for several years, Sergi Cardona (Las Palmas), the Tricolor Willy Kambwala (10 million, United), Arnau Sola (loan, Almeria), midfielder Pape Gueye (OM, free) , without forgetting the arrival of goalkeeper Alcoado, a great architect of the promotion of Leganes and the Liga2 title at the same time. In the opposite direction, Mosquera (2 goals in 16 caps in La Liga last year) returned to Wolverhampton (end of loan), Mojica, although valuable at Osasuna, signed for Mallorca while the center forward signed ago one year Ben Breteron Diaz was sold to Southampton and Jorgensen (starting goalkeeper) was sent to Chelsea for a very friendly package. Mandi and Gelardo left free while Sörloth signed for the evening's opponents, Cuenca in Fulham and recently, it was Trigueros (14 appearances last season) who set sail for Granada and Hassan, already on loan to Sporting Gijon last year permanently joined the resident of D2. It's rare enough to be underlined but the Madrid squad should travel in full. Complete with recruits, like the Argentinian world champion Alvarez (Man City) signed for 75 million and especially 15 million in bonuses.

The latter was fed up with this replacement role for the reigning English champion and will take the place of Alvaro Morata, who left for AC Milan. However, he is not the only striker who showed up in the colchonero locker room since the 2nd top scorer in La Liga last year, Sörlöth (Villarreal) has also left his bags and we can already imagine a dazzling duo with Griezmann in support. In the defensive sector, none other than Robin Le Normand, European champion with Spain, signed, making three ultra-positive recruits for the Cholo. Finally, at the start, Saul was loaned to Sevilla and Savic signed freely for Trabzonspor. Now, the last big question that the club, players, managers and especially supporters are asking themselves: What will become of Joao Félix, returned from his loan to Barcelona where he had also scored, while celebrating in front of Madrid supporters (case to be continued).