Villarreal pick up a prestigious draw at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium thanks to a Bacca goal
Villarreal used their heads to pick up a prestigious point against Atlético on their first visit to the Wanda Metropolitano stadium. The Yellow Submarine read the game perfectly against one of the strongest LaLiga teams and were rewarded for their efforts with a brilliant header by Carlos Bacca just ten minutes from time. Previously, Correa had put Atlético ahead.
Javi Calleja set up his side with Rodrigo, Trigueros, Fornals and Soriano in a midfield diamond and Bakambu and Bacca upfront.
Both teams were intense from kick-off, fighting for possession of the ball, but there were no clear chances in the first quarter of an hour. It wasn’t until the 19th minute that Correa’s first shot caused the Yellows some danger, but Barbosa was equal to it.
Villarreal, well organised at the back, looked to find their quick strikers to cause problems for Atlético. Manu Trigueros played a fantastic through ball to Bakambu which sent the French-Congolese striker through one on one with Oblak, but Savic got back and made a great tackle to keep it 0-0.
The home side had two good chances before the break to open the scoring. Saúl had his shot cleared off the line by Víctor Ruiz and seconds later Godín’s header was kept out by a maginificent stretching save by Barbosa. Solid defending and right after the whistle blew for half time.
Átletico Madrid went ahead in the 61st minute. Griezmann switched the play with a long ball, Correa brought it down, got away from his opponent and scored with a powerful strike at the near post (1-0). Simeone’s side did not take their foot off the pedal and the Yellows struggled to create chances. Rodrigo and Mario did both try their luck from long range but both players’ efforts narrowly missed the mark.
Villarreal’s reward came from a set piece. Samu Castillejo executed a perfect corner kick and Carlos Bacca headed the ball into the back of the net like a cannon. A spectacular finish (1-1). As a result, Villarreal came away with a point from their first visit to the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
The Submarine’s next match is against Slavia Prague in the UEFA Europa League (Thursday, 7pm CET).
Lineups:
Atlético de Madrid: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godín, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Saúl, Thomas; Correa, Griezmann and Gameiro (Vietto, m. 74).
Villarreal CF: Barbosa; Mario, Álvaro, Víctor Ruiz, Jaume Costa (Rukavina, m. 68); Soriano (Castillejo, m. 59), Rodrigo, Trigueros, Fornals (Cheryshev, m. 76); Bakambu and Bacca.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 61: Correa. 1-1. Min. 80: Bacca.
Referee: Undiano Mallenco (Navarra, Spain). Cautioned: Trigueros, Bakambu, Bacca and Álvaro.
Match Information: Match corresponding to LaLiga Matchday 10 played at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
