# Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid Match Preview, Prediction, Timings, Lineups, Teams, and How to Watch — Third Place Showdown With Griezmann’s Final Bow!

URL: https://technosports.co.in/villarreal-vs-atletico-madrid-match-preview/  
Published: 2026-05-24  
Updated: 2026-05-24  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

The final whistle of La Liga 2025-26 is almost here — and it couldn’t come with higher stakes. **Villarreal host Atletico Madrid** on Sunday, May 24, 2026, in a winner-takes-all battle for **3rd place**. One draw is all Atletico need. Villarreal need a win. Add in **Antoine Griezmann’s farewell appearance** before his MLS move — and this is unmissable football.

## Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid Match Info

| Detail | Info |
| --- | --- |
| **Match** | Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid |
| **Competition** | La Liga 2025-26 — Gameweek 38 |
| **Date & Time** | Sunday, May 24, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Local) |
| **Venue** | Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal |
| **Referee** | TBC |
| **Broadcast** | DAZN, LaLigaTV, local broadcasters |

## Why This Match Matters

Both teams are **level on points**, with Villarreal currently 3rd due to head-to-head calculations not yet being live. However, if Atletico get a draw, they leap above Villarreal on that exact head-to-head tiebreaker — because they beat Villarreal **2-0 at home** earlier this season.

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/takslsk-1024x683.webp)

Villarreal had this wrapped up after thrashing Levante 5-1 in early May — then won just **1 point from their last 3 games**, losing to Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano. Atletico, meanwhile, come in on a three-match winning run across all competitions, having beaten Girona 1-0 last time out.

For Atletico, it’s been a gruelling end to the season — eliminated by Arsenal in the **Champions League semi-finals** and beaten by Real Sociedad in the **Copa del Rey final**. Third place would at least be a consolation worth fighting for.

## Form Guide

| Team | La Liga Recent Form |
| --- | --- |
| **Villarreal** | D W W D L L |
| **Atletico Madrid** | L W W L W W |

## Team News & Possible Lineups

**Villarreal** are without Pau Cabanes and Juan Foyth (injury), but Renato Veiga returns from suspension. Key players Luiz Junior, Mikautadze, Gerard Moreno, Dani Parejo and Nicolas Pepe are all expected to start.

**Atletico** miss Rodrigo Mendoza, Nahuel Molina and Johnny Cardoso (injury), while Jose Gimenez, Julian Alvarez and Pablo Barrios are major doubts. Robin Le Normand serves a one-game ban, but Marcos Llorente returns from suspension. Antoine Griezmann starts in what is his **official farewell** before joining **Orlando City** in MLS.

**Villarreal XI (probable):** Luiz Junior; Mourino, Veiga, Marin, Pedraza; Pepe, Parejo, Gueye, Moleiro; G. Moreno, Mikautadze

**Atletico XI (probable):** Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Baena, Koke, Almada; Lookman, Griezmann, Simeone

## Prediction: Villarreal 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Atletico only need a point, and Simeone’s pragmatism makes that outcome the most likely. Expect a tight, tense contest — Villarreal pushing forward, Atletico sitting deep and soaking pressure before hitting on the counter. A draw sends Atletico into 3rd, caps Griezmann’s farewell, and ends Marcelino’s Villarreal era on a bittersweet note.

According to [La Liga’s official competition format](https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/laliga-ea-sports), head-to-head results are the primary tiebreaker when teams are equal on points — which is exactly why this draw scenario hands Atletico third place.

For more La Liga previews, football analysis and sports updates, visit [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in).

## How to Watch Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid

The match will be broadcast live on **DAZN** and **LaLigaTV** for international audiences. Indian viewers can stream it via **GXR World** or **Sony LIV** depending on regional availability. Check your local listings for confirmation. More global football streaming guides are available at [TechnoSports](https://technosports.co.in).

## FAQs

### **Q: What time does Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid kick off on May 24, 2026?**

 A: The match kicks off at **8:00 PM local time** (Spain) on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Estadio de la Cerámica.

### **Q: What result does Atletico Madrid need to finish 3rd in La Liga?**

  
A: A **draw is enough** for Atletico Madrid — they beat Villarreal 2-0 earlier this season, giving them the head-to-head advantage if both teams remain level on points.