Villarreal will have to keep a close eye on Atletico Madrid’s in-form forward Antoine Griezmann when the two sides meet at El Madrigal stadium on Saturday.
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Griezmann’s two goals handed Atletico a 2-0 victory over Getafe on Wednesday and the French forward has now scored six goals in five games.
Villarreal are level on 13 points with Real Madrid and Celta Vigo after five games played, with the three sides the only ones unbeaten so far in La Liga.
And coach Marcelino is confident his side can cap off an “extraordinary week” by beating Atletico at El Madrigal for the first time in five years.
“To have clinched 13 of a possible 15 points is reason for us to be very happy,” Marcelino said. “We now hope that El Madrigal will be sold out to help us, just as it was in our game against Athletic.
“To beat Atletico Madrid would be the cherry on the cake to an extraordinary week. I’m really proud and satisfied with the performances of my players.”
The Yellow Submarine could face a changed Atletico side as boss Diego Simeone reiterated his desire to continue to rotate his squad in La Liga this term as he seeks to once again challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for the title.
“We explained it in pre-season. The physical coaches look at the whole year, not individual matches,” he said. “We don’t listen to those who say they aren’t playing much. It makes them play better, the group is more competitive. Rotating is the only way of challenging Madrid and Barcelona.”
Celta Vigo will be expected to keep their dream start to the season going when they travel to Basque minnows Eibar.
Elsewhere, Sevilla have just two points from five games as they prepare to host Rayo Vallecano.
