Atletico Madrid secured their first LaLiga win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Villarreal. Goals from Pablo Barrios and Nicolas Gonzalez sealed the win, providing a timely boost ahead of their Champions League opener against Liverpool. Simeone expressed his relief and praised his team’s performance.
Diego Simeone breathed a sigh of relief as Atletico Madrid finally clinched their first LaLiga victory of the season, securing a 2-0 triumph over Villarreal at their home ground. The win comes as a welcome boost for Simeone's side, who had endured a frustrating start to the campaign.
The breakthrough arrived early in the match when Pablo Barrios expertly converted a setup from Julian Alvarez, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. The early goal settled the nerves at the Metropolitano Stadium and provided Atletico with a platform to build on.
Atletico Madrid continued to press in the second half, and their efforts were rewarded when new signing Nicolas Gonzalez rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Marcos Llorente. The goal effectively sealed the victory for Atletico, sending the home fans into raptures.
Julian Alvarez's influence on Atletico's attacking play has been significant. Only Kylian Mbappe, with 13 goal involvements, and Ante Budimir, with 11, have contributed more to goals at home in LaLiga during 2025 than Alvarez, who has been involved in 10 goals, scoring eight and assisting two, highlighting his importance to the team's offensive output.
Prior to this match, Atletico had faced criticism for their lackluster performances, enduring their worst start to a LaLiga season since 2009-10. However, the win against Villarreal provides a timely confidence boost as they prepare for their Champions League opener against Liverpool this week.
We take all three points at home! pic.twitter.com/yY31OC9rZx
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 13, 2025
Simeone expressed his relief after the match, acknowledging the pressure the team had been under. "It wasn't just another day. After only two points from three matches and playing at home with our fans needing a win, it felt like a good moment to be close to the boys and share that small window of joy until tomorrow at 10, when we'll start thinking about Liverpool," he said.
"The same relief we’ve been feeling based on what I said about the responsibility of the club and the team. The team deserved a little more; football had given us two points at the start and we really needed to get three," Simeone added, emphasizing the importance of the victory.
The Atletico coach was also pleased with his team's performance, praising their tactical execution and control of the game. "The team played well and interpreted the game very well against a team that was doing very well. They are very good on the counter-attack, but I think we controlled the game from start to finish," he explained.
The win also brought an end to Villarreal's impressive nine-game unbeaten run in LaLiga, which stretched back to April. Atletico's resolute defense and clinical finishing proved too much for the visitors to handle.
Looking ahead, Simeone is optimistic that his team can build on this result and maintain their momentum. "The match in general was very good, very consistent. We didn’t have those moments where the opponent controlled the game," he said.
“There were a few situations in the first half that we could have handled better, but Villarreal are also very good, and hopefully we can continue in the same vein as we did today.”
Atletico Madrid's victory over Villarreal marks a turning point in their season. With key players finding form and a renewed sense of confidence, Simeone's side will be hoping to mount a serious challenge in both LaLiga and the Champions League. The upcoming match against Liverpool will be a stern test of their credentials, but Atletico will approach the game with a spring in their step after this morale-boosting win.
The victory was not just about the three points; it was about restoring belief and proving that Atletico Madrid are still a force to be reckoned with. The players showed grit, determination, and a willingness to fight for every ball. The fans, in turn, responded with unwavering support, creating an electric atmosphere at the Metropolitano Stadium.
As Atletico Madrid prepares for their Champions League campaign, this win provides a solid foundation to build upon. The team's blend of experience and youth, coupled with Simeone's tactical acumen, makes them a dangerous opponent for any team. The challenge now is to maintain consistency and continue to improve as the season progresses. The road ahead will be long and arduous, but Atletico Madrid has shown that they are ready to face it head-on.