Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said he spotted good points in his side’s performance despite the disappointing 2-2 draw at Villarreal that kicked off their La Liga season on Monday.
Atletico had to fight back twice in the first half to rescue a point at Villarreal, who made the most of their rivals’ mistakes in defence. Arnaut Danjuma easily beat Atletico defender Axel Witsel to score Villarreal’s opener and a bad mistake by goalkeeper Jan Oblak led to an own goal from Atleti captain Koke 19 minutes later.
“We played a good game. We had individual situations that we have to improve but as a collective effort the team played well, but we conceded goals we could have avoided,” Simeone said. “(The) thing is, in the few chances they had in attack we were toothless and conceded two goals in isolated plays. But I saw good things and details that make the difference throughout the year.”
Simeone said he was satisfied with the debut of his blockbuster signing Julian Alvarez, who came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes of the game but had little impact. Argentine Alvarez joined Atletico only a week ago after Manchester City agreed a deal of more than 75mn euros ($83.13mn) to part with the versatile 24-year-old forward.
“Julian is gradually getting to know the club and his teammates and understanding the system that we are going to play so we are hopeful we’ll be able to (appreciate) all the great things he has to offer soon enough,” Simeone said.
The manager also confirmed that Joao Felix’s absence on Monday was due to “the transfer market”, after British and Spanish media reported that Atletico had a deal in place to send the Portuguese forward to Chelsea.
“Soon you will know what I have already been told,” Simeone said with a laugh when he was asked about Felix.
Atleti started well and had a Reinildo Mandava goal ruled out for offside, then created a couple of chances with Samuel Lino who was denied by inspired Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Alcoado. However, it was the locals who scored first when forward Danjuma beat defender Axel Witsel to collect a long pass from Alcoado and netted from close range in the 18th minute.
Atletico hit back quickly on the counter-attack two minutes later when Marcos Llorente sped unmarked into the box and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner of the net. Lino hit the post in the 35th minute and Villarreal took advantage of a bad mistake by Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak when he failed to clear a cross in the 37th minute and the ball deflected off the back of Atletico captain Koke and into the net. Forward Alexander Sorloth, making his debut for Atletico after an outstanding season for Villarreal as their top scorer, found the equaliser with a towering header six minutes into first-half added time from a Pablo Barrios cross from the right touchline.
In fierce, summer temperatures at La Ceramica on the east coast of Spain, both sides took it easier in the second half and the match lost the relentless intensity it had seen early on. Neither side got a shot on target after the break, with Villarreal substitute Nicolas Pepe having the best chance from a free kick and hitting the crossbar in the 82nd minute. Atletico will make their home debut on Sunday against last season’s surprise package Girona while Villarreal will play their second game of the season at Sevilla on Friday.