The battle for third place in La Liga went down to the final round as Villarreal hosted Atletico Madrid in a highly anticipated clash. But instead of the fierce contest many expected, the Yellow Submarine produced a ruthless display to completely overpower Diego Simeone’s side.

Villarreal effectively killed the game before half-time, storming into a stunning 4-1 lead at the break. The hosts sliced through the Atletico defence with pace, precision and confidence, leaving the visitors with no answer to the relentless pressure.

For Atletico Madrid, it was a night to forget. The Madrid giants looked overwhelmed from the opening whistle and never managed to recover after Villarreal’s explosive first-half performance.

2025-26, Spain - La Liga

Villarreal - Atletico Madrid 5:1 (4:1)
Goals: Dani Parejo, 30 (penalty) (1:0); Perez A., 34 (2:0); Mikautadze, 40 (3:0); Pubill, 43 (3:1); Gueye P.A., 45 (4:1); Perez A., 54 (5:1)

Villarreal: Tenas; Marín Ra.; Navarro; Mourino; Pedraza A. (Cardona S., 67); Gueye P.A. (Costa Lo., 75); Dani Parejo (Diatta A., 66); Moleiro; Mikautadze (Macia C., 89); Pépé N.; Perez A. (Cabanes, 75)
Substitution: Diatta A. (from 66); Cardona S. (from 67); Costa Lo. (from 75); Cabanes (from 75); Macia C. (from 89)
Bench: Júnior L.; Freeman; Kambwala; Veiga; Buchanan T.; Alfon; Oluwaseyi

Atletico Madrid: Musso; Lenglet; Hancko; Pubill (Ruggeri, 46); Koke; Álex Baena (Morcillo, 61); Llorente M.; Vargas Ob.; Griezmann; Simeone G-o (Sørloth, 46); Lookman (Boñar, 61)
Substitution: Ruggeri (from 46); Sørloth (from 46); Boñar (from 61); Morcillo (from 61)
Bench: Oblak; Esquivel S.; Díaz J.; Belaid; Luque I.; Cubo M.
Yellow Cards: Simeone G-o 27