Preview: Atlético - Villarreal

by maddi on Mar 4, 2011 2:37 PM CET

Well, it's that time of year again: the time when Villarreal takes on its former stars in the form of the overpaid, overhyped, overvalued, and underperforming second side from Madrid. This year has not been kind to the mattressmakers; of course, that is an annual result, but it is worth repeating, as I think it always brings a bit of good cheer to Villarreal fans.

Atlético has a way of always convincing the prognosticators that this is their year. It has been a long time since it was their year. Beginning with the 2002-03 season (their first season back following promotion), their finishes have been the following: 12th, 7th, 11th, 10th, 7th, 4th, 4th, 9th. Only in 3 of those 8 years have they finished higher in the table than the lowly boys from Villarreal.

As I say this, I can't help but stop and admit that Atlético has had its occasional share of success. Their history goes back pretty far, to a point when they were one of the real powers in Spain. More lately, as recently as 1995-1996, when Villarreal was basically unheard of, Atlético was winning the domestic double. Their most recent exploits have seen them win the Europa League last year (over Fulham) and the UEFA Super Cup this year (against Rafa Benitez's Inter). But the thing is - and it is pretty clear if you look at them over the last year - even when they are doing something positive, no one really takes them seriously.

This year doesn't look much better for the rojiblancos. As things stand, they managed to eek out a point against Getafe in midweek and find themselves in 8th place, a gaping 15 points in Villarreal's rear-view mirror. They are currently in the process of recovering from a period on life support, when they lost four consecutive matches against Sporting, Bilbao, Barca, and Valencia (not that Villarreal can say that much about its recent run of form).

Atlético Madrid is generally well-known for its defense. That is, how terrible its defense tends to be. So it may be a bit shocking to most that, this year, they have the 6th best goals-against average in La Liga. They have given up 34 goals to date in 26 matches, around 1.3 goals per game. Villarreal picked up two of those goals when the sides met at El Madrigal, but things will be tougher at the Vicente Calderón, where the Madrid side has only given up 12 goals in 13 matches. Interestingly, they have lost starter Perea for this match due to yellow card accumulation - I do not know if that makes their defense better or worse.

The other interesting squad issue for Atlético will be the plight of La Rubia - Diego Forlán. He apparently has had some locker room struggles with his teammates, to the point that there have been rumors of a campaign to prevent anyone on the team from passing the ball to him. Fellow former Yellow Submariner and Uruguayan international Diego Godín has come to his defense of late, telling the team to lay off Blondie, and that all he needs is to pick up a little confidence - which is probably a pretty accurate assessment of the at-times ridiculously dangerous striker.

Villarreal has not yet announced its squad for Saturday, but it should be the normal call-up. Of course, Garrido will not be on the bench, as he had some choice words for the official in the difficult match against Racing and will serve out the finale of his two-match suspension. On the players' side, Wakaso looks to be gaining favor with the absent Garrido, having seen action in two consecutive matches, and while not exactly lighting up the scoreboard, the Ghanian has provided the speed, ball skills, and power needed to shore up the thin Villarreal midfield.

I expect to see Musacchio in the back, knowing the speed that Atlético Madrid has in its strikeforce. This time I figure it will be Gonzalo pairing with him, as Marchena just played 90 minutes on Wednesday, and his old legs can take only so much. Thus, the lineup should look traditional:

Diego López
Mario - Gonzalo - Musacchio - Capdevila
Cazorla - Bruno - Borja - Cani
Rossi - Nilmar

No prediction from me this time, but I am really hoping that we embarrass Atlético in front of their own fans. Villarreal needs to press for a goal early, as the Atlético fans are so quick to turn to the whistle that the home-field advantage can be negated. And considering the gulf of points between Atlético and the Champions League places, they just might not have the heart to fight back.

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A bit of a Madrid V Villareal double header as the B team take on Rayo Vallecano. An earlier than usual kick off time (16:00 hours local time) for the B team match tomorrow as the match is to be shown on Marca TV.

The B team squad:
Keepers: Diego Mariño & Segovia.
Defenders: Mano, Ángel Ortega, Carlos Tomás, Kiko, Jaume Costa & Truyols.
Midfield: Nico, Natxo Insa, Dutra, Gonzalo Castellani, Hernán Pérez, Iago Falqué & Marquitos.
Forward: Nicki Bille, Gerard Bordas & Gerard Moreno.

Airam is out injured and is replaced by C teamer Gerard Moreno.

Some background here on Rayo’s current financial problems.

by Kenez on Mar 4, 2011 4:59 PM CET reply actions

Arsenal look to have lost out to Villarreal in the race to capture Real Madrid starlet Sergio Canales, according to The Daily Mirror
goal.com

by jackson on Mar 4, 2011 6:35 PM CET reply actions

Arsenal look to have lost out to Villarreal in the race to capture Real Madrid starlet Sergio Canales, according to The Daily Mirror
goal.com

by jackson. on Mar 4, 2011 6:35 PM CET reply actions

AP Interview: Rossi sees Italian football stuck in past while Spain, England surge ahead

by jackson. on Mar 4, 2011 6:45 PM CET reply actions

Interesting that he hates bullfighting. The Spanish government has taken his words to heart, it seems.

by sidarth on Mar 4, 2011 11:10 PM CET up reply actions

Ist team squad for tomorrow.
Keepers: Diego López & Juan Carlos.
Defenders: Mario, Joan Oriol, Gonzalo, Musacchio, Marchena, Capdevila & Catalá.
Midfield: Borja Valero, Bruno, Santi Cazorla, Cani, Matilla & Wakaso.
Forwards: Marco Ruben, Nilmar & Rossi.

Note the return of the forgotten man, Joan Oriol, whilst Marcos Gullón is left out of both 1st team and B team squads.

by Kenez on Mar 4, 2011 7:05 PM CET reply actions

and Matilla, too. Remember that in our home match against the rojiblancos Borja was unavailable, Senna started but Matilla came on at the break and played well.

I think Gullon was more a victim of circumstances than anything else as far as not being named to either squad—he did some good things and could be back with the first team if need arises.

I expect Mussachio to start w/Gonzalo as does maddi. It is a quick turnaround from the Hercules match, but that was not a terribly physical encounter on the whole, so I’m not sure I see us making any particular changes.

I predict 2-1 to Villarreal, goals from Rossi and Borja let’s say. Endavant Villarreal!!

by Allen on Mar 4, 2011 8:29 PM CET up reply actions

We still have players carrying injuries, namely Cazorla, Nilmar, Capdevila so Garrido may be forced to make changes with the Europa League game next week. I get a feeling that Joan Oriol may get a start tomorrow.

Mario and Borja have have had no rest at all but I think they are going to have to carry on, Cicinho not even in the squad.

by Kenez on Mar 4, 2011 9:22 PM CET up reply actions

I would be delighted if this rumor was true, but doubt it. I like Canales, he is wasting away where he is now.

by Allen on Mar 4, 2011 8:32 PM CET reply actions

jackson beat you to it! Just that his comments were trapped by the spam filter.

by sidarth on Mar 4, 2011 11:10 PM CET up reply actions

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!! Would be a fantastic signing, when he broke out at Racing he looked like THE next big thing, we could bring him back!

by Nick on Mar 5, 2011 2:50 AM CET up reply actions

“Wakaso, a rebel with talent” — Not the most interesting article but a nice summary of Wakaso’s past two years and his rapid incoporation into the first time. The article is Spanish. Sorry, no translation.

by alex on Mar 4, 2011 8:33 PM CET reply actions

Elche must now be thinking whether they’ve done the right thing. He better not turn up late to training now.

by Kenez on Mar 4, 2011 9:33 PM CET up reply actions

cicinho = waste. he doesn’t look fit
not suprised oriol was called, since he looked happy in training

by jackson on Mar 4, 2011 10:03 PM CET reply actions

He’s not fit apparently and that’s why he was not in the squad.

http://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/noticias/noticia.asp?pkid=641483

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 11:37 AM CET up reply actions

We should start Ruben instead of Nilmar, then bring him in in 2half if we need it or els he could take a breather on the bench.
I think the back chain should be as our last match.
We need to get some stability in our defense, trust that the more they play together, the better defense.
I think that we will win 1-0, Santi.

by Jens the dane.... on Mar 4, 2011 10:09 PM CET reply actions

I’d love only the odd goal, but the average between the sides has been 4 goals per match in recent times. So expect a higher-scoring encounter.

by sidarth on Mar 4, 2011 11:11 PM CET up reply actions

Some on-point stats:
1. Of the last seven meetings between the two sides, Villarreal have come out on top five times, scoring at least twice in every one of the seven matches.
2. Atleti have never failed to score at home to Villarreal in La Liga.

by sidarth on Mar 4, 2011 11:20 PM CET up reply actions

Sid, I think it’s the Catalan regional government that banned bullfighting—has the Spanish government taken a stand? I’ve missed it if so. (I must say, I think cheering for the bull is rather like cheering for anyone other than Barca and Madrid in La Liga—the odds are significantly against you).

Just a note that tomorrow’s match is on Gol TV in the US. Unfortunately what was supposed to be a luncheon has morphed into a late morning and afternoon’s worth of social obligations, so I may not be able to catch the game live (and will miss the B game as well, sadly).

I almost wish we played Atleti three or four times a year—I love maddi’s carefully balanced, dispassionate analysis of the mattress makers. Let’s take three points Saturday, guys.

by Allen on Mar 5, 2011 12:46 AM CET reply actions

Per EMP Cicinho had muscle discomfort, so Oriol was called back from the doghouse

Suprised Matilla made it out of the doghouse too

by Acqua on Mar 5, 2011 3:26 PM CET reply actions

Stream for B team available @ http://www.futbolarg.com/agenda.php?lang=en

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 3:53 PM CET reply actions

VILLARREAL B:
Mariño; Mano, Truyols, Kiko, Jaume Costa;
Marcos Gullón, Natxo Insa; Gerard; Hernán Pérez, Nicki Bille.

Note Marcos Gullón back with the B

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 4:01 PM CET up reply actions

17 min Truyols injured and replaced by Carlos Tomás

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 4:19 PM CET up reply actions

Half time VILLARREAL B 0-1 RAYO
0-1 Aganzo 44’

A fairly even first half before Rayo took the lead with a very doubtful goal. Kiko appeared to have headed the ball off the line but the referee awarded a goal.

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 4:49 PM CET up reply actions

0-1, 70’. Castellani on for Iago. Let’s go, boys.

by sidarth on Mar 5, 2011 5:23 PM CET reply actions

Here is an interesting rumor involving Napoli and Villarreal. Gargano would be solid in our doble pivote. A long-term solution?

by sidarth on Mar 5, 2011 5:26 PM CET reply actions

0-1, 75’. Gerard off the bar. Getting closer.

by sidarth on Mar 5, 2011 5:27 PM CET reply actions

1-1, 79’. And there it is. Nicki Bille’s shot saved, but Jaume Costa puts away the rebound. Great finish from a defender.

by sidarth on Mar 5, 2011 5:31 PM CET reply actions

78 min
Goal B Jaume Costa

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 5:32 PM CET reply actions

1-2, 82’. Can’t believe we just fell asleep after the goal, but there it is. Great finish from Piti, and we have work to do again.

by sidarth on Mar 5, 2011 5:36 PM CET reply actions

82 min 1-2 Rayo

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 5:36 PM CET reply actions

1-2 FT. Our inexperience showed, and Mano again was at fault for the game-winner. 3 straight losses for our up-and-down bunch. But a great effort as always.

by sidarth on Mar 5, 2011 5:49 PM CET reply actions

Weak defending by Mano for the goal. Villarreal B’s play broke down somewhat in the 2nd half as Rayo pressed high, Marcos Gullón and Natxo Insa caught in possession several times.
Rayo now go top of Segunda B but did not look that impressive.

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 5:53 PM CET up reply actions

Full time: VILLARREAL B 1-2 RAYO
0-1 Aganzo (44’)
1-1 Jaume Costa (78’)
1-2 Piti (82’)

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 5:49 PM CET reply actions

Full match report here:

http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/rayo-saca-partido-efectividad/20110305dasdasftb_20/Tes

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 7:02 PM CET up reply actions

hay una cuenta de un fan de Borja que NO ES LA AUTÉNTICA (@Borjavalero20). Gracias x seguirnos,
pero el único y genuino es @bvalero20 !!

by Acqua on Mar 5, 2011 6:10 PM CET reply actions

@Borjavalero20 = fake
@bvalero20 = real

by Acqua on Mar 5, 2011 6:14 PM CET reply actions

Canales would be an awesome signing!

by Eskimo Joe on Mar 5, 2011 6:18 PM CET reply actions

We all know about @giusepperossi22 on Twitter,
but here are other VCF players on twitter

#ff Players
@gonzalo_02
@bvalero20
@nilmaroficial
@SantiCazorla8
@Cicinho24

FF others
javimatagil @Hernan_Sanz
@villarralcf
@garridodoghouse

by Acqua on Mar 5, 2011 6:27 PM CET reply actions

We all know about @giusepperossi22 on Twitter,
but here are other VCF players on twitter

#ff Players
@gonzalo_02
@bvalero20
@nilmaroficial
@SantiCazorla8
@Cicinho24

FF others
@javimatagil
@Hernan_Sanz
@villarrealcf

Plus

@garridodoghouse -> updates on who is in there

by Acqua on Mar 5, 2011 6:30 PM CET reply actions

Result: Mallorca 1-2 Valencia

A win required later tonight.

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 7:53 PM CET reply actions

Reading the pre match coverage today, and there is more than usual as we’re playing one of the big clubs, I’m surprised to see that Atléti fans are still claiming that they were robbed by the referee in the match at El Madrigal and that they refer to Villarreal as rurals, country bumpkins.
Atlético remind me a bit of the old pre Abramovich Chelsea, there were better clubs in London but the cognoscenti attended Stamford Bridge.
So I tend to share some of Maddi’s sentiments. I hope we stuff them today in a match that will be shown on national free to view television rather than subscription or pay per view.

by Kenez on Mar 5, 2011 7:55 PM CET reply actions