Atletico Madrid to host Villarreal at Riyadh Air Metropolitan in LaLiga matchweek 2 on August 23

Atletico Madrid will face Villarreal at the Riyadh Air Metropolitan on August 23 in their LaLiga 2026-27 matchweek 2 fixture. Atletico arrive after a 2-0 opening win over Malaga while Villarreal drew 2-2 with Racing Santander in their first game.

Atletico's victory over Malaga remained tight until the second half, when the Diego Simeone-led side scored two goals and conceded few chances. Atletico will be at home for this fixture and are expected to try to use that to their advantage. Villarreal were held to a 2-2 draw by Racing Santander after conceding two goals and then staging a late comeback in the first half with two strikes of their own. Inigo Perez’s men earned a single point largely because of defensive errors, and being away is going to make it a significantly difficult game for them; Villarreal cannot afford to make the same mistakes against Atleti.

The World Cup winner came from the bench and doubled the lead for Atletico Madrid in their matchup against Malaga. Alex Baena produced a positive performance in that game and will be eager to repeat it; the 25-year-old is set to be deployed on the left flank by Diego Simeone, making him crucial for the hosts.

The 31-year-old from Ivory Coast was the standout performer for Villarreal in their 2-2 draw against Racing Santander, scoring an important equaliser in the final moments of the first half and helping the Yellow Submarine secure one point. Nicolas Pepe is going to play an important role both in the midfield and the attacking front for the visitors.

Alexander Sorloth will miss out on action for Atletico Madrid due to a muscle injury. For Villarreal, Alassane Diatta is not going to be in action as he is suspended. Due to physical discomfort, Sergi Cardona might not be a part of the squad.

Projected lineups supplied are: Atletico Madrid — Oblak (GK); Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Grimaldo; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Baena; Lee, Lookman. Villarreal — Luiz Junior (GK); Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Romero; Pepe, Gueye, Comesana, Moleiro; Moreno, Mikautadze.

The Diego Simeone-led side looked good in their opening game, but the Yellow Submarine have some defensive concerns to look at; at the Riyadh Air Metropolitan, Atletico Madrid are likely to come out on top and secure a victory against Villarreal CF. Broadcast details are listed as Spain: Movistar, DAZN and Teledeporte; USA: ESPN, ESPN+, ESPN Deportes. Indian viewers can watch via the FanCode app and website, and Khel Now offers updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as through its Android and iOS apps and Telegram channel.