The teams played out an exciting 2-2 draw between Villarreal and Atlético Madrid in their La Liga opener at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
The second half did not start very positively for the revamped Atletico Madrid. A Stefan Savic-less, Mario Hermoso-less, Memphis Depay-less and Álvaro Morata-less team was breached very early in the game. As early as the 18th minute, Arnaut Danjuma of Villarreal capitalized on that very fact and came up with a brilliant shot from an acute angle to beat Jan Oblak.
Soon after, Atletico hit back with force. Marcos Llorente leveled the affair just two minutes later, riffling a powerful effort that the Filipino goalkeeper for Villarreal, Filip Jorgensen, was hapless to stop. That goal showed the resolve of Atletico to overcome their absences and make a strong start to their season.
The match turned again nine minutes from half-time, when the usually reliable Oblak made a very un-Oblak like mistake. He misjudged a crossed ball that was later flicked on by Koke, ending up in Atletico's net. In an unlucky own goal, the lead went back to Villarreal.
Just before the whistle for half-time, Atletico leveled again. Alexander Sorloth scored a vital goal in stoppage time to ensure that both teams went into the break level at 2-2 and on loan at Villarreal from Leipzig.
The second half was a dangerous affair for both teams seeking to win, but neither broke the deadlock. Atletico's manager, Diego Simeone, rang in a number of tactical changes, bringing on their new Argentine signing Julian Alvarez from Manchester City. But all to no avail, Atletico could not find a winning goal.
In a clear absentee, Joao Felix did not feature in the Atletico squad as increasing rumors are swirling around that the Portuguese forward is destined for a move to Chelsea.
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