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2022/23 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 2
Atletico Madrid v Villarreal
Estadio Metropolitano
Madrid, Spain
Sunday, 21 August 2022
Kick-off is at 19h30
Atletico Madrid will be targeting their second
La Liga win on the spin at the start of the new season when they welcome Villarreal to the Metropolitano on Sunday, August 21.
Diego Simeone's side made a winning start to proceedings as they comprehensively beat Getafe 3-0 at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez on Monday.
Alvaro Morata (15', 59') opened his account with a brace and Antoine Griezmann sealed the victory 15 minutes from time, which saw Atleti keep pace with arch-rivals Real Madrid.
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Morata has been linked with a move away from Los Colchoneros, but both he and Simeone are eager to keep working together in the Spanish capital.
"I am not the owner of the club, I am the coach. Morata is doing very well, he is working amazingly and we hope that Morata will stay with us," the Argentine tactician said in his post-match press conference.
Morata added: "I really want to play here. I'm excited to be here, as always, I can only work and run for the team in every game."
Atletico share the lead with Real Betis and the Yellow Submarine, who put three past Real Valladolid without reply at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla on Saturday.
All three goals came in the second half, with Nicolas Jackson opening the scoring on 49 minutes before Alex Baena sealed the victory with a brace in the final nine minutes.
Unai Emery lauded his players for being patient against Valladolid as the visitors eventually capitalised on their dominance by hitting them on the counter.
"We were better overall in the match against a team that we knew would offer us a very high level. Real Valladolid is a strong team that likes to have the ball and feels comfortable in front of its people.
"In the first half, we were superior, but we lacked chances. The second half started with a goal and after that, they brought out their best version and had their options.
"We've been patient, we haven't conceded and we've been able to take advantage of the counterattacks to win the game."
Head-to-Head (Last Five La Liga Meetings)
Matches - 5
Atletico - 2
Villarreal - 0
Draws - 3
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