Villarreal continues to be winless in the Iñigo Pérez era. In matchday 2, they drew again against Atlético de Madrid (2-2) during their visit to the Metropolitano. The home team took advantage of the initial atmosphere to start with intensity, but Villarreal was the first to come close to scoring. The match turned into a constant battle for possession, with the Submarine creating dangerous chances without converting them.
The second half was a goal-fest. Pubill opened the scoring with a strike from the edge of the area. Shortly after, Gerard Moreno converted a penalty awarded for a foul on Buchanan. Villarreal took the lead with a second penalty, scored by Mikautadze, an action for which Le Normand was sent off. Near the 90th minute, Simeone managed to equalize the match.
In the first half, despite an intense start from Atlético, the first clear chance fell to Villarreal with a shot from Mikautadze. After half an hour without significant danger, Mouriño crossed and Mikautadze again had an opportunity. In added time, Ayoze had the last chance before halftime.
The second half began with another chance for Villarreal, saved by Oblak. After a period of calm, Pubill scored to make it 1-0. Villarreal's substitutions quickly had an effect: Buchanan earned a penalty that Gerard Moreno converted. The most controversial moment came with a second penalty awarded to Mikautadze, which resulted in Le Normand's expulsion.
After the goal, more substitutions were made. With five minutes left, Baena assisted Giuliano to equalize the match. Villarreal had a final opportunity through Buchanan, but he couldn't beat Oblak.
In the match details, Atlético de Madrid played with Oblack; Pubill, Hancko, Le Normand, Grimaldo; Giuliano, Koke (M. Llorente, min. 66), Mendoza (Mendoza, min.45), Hjulmand; Kang In (Barrios, min. 66) and Lookman (J. Giménez, min. 79). Villarreal CF fielded Luiz Júnior; Mouriño, Foyth, Renato Veiga, Carlos Romero; Comesaña (Oluwaseyi, min. 84), Gueye; Moleiro, Pepe (Maciá, min. 79); Ayoze and Mikautadze (Akhomach, min. 79). The goals were scored by Pubill (1-0, min. 59), Gerard Moreno (1-1, min. 66), and Mikautadze (1-2, min. 78). Referee Alejandro José Hernández cautioned Mouriño, Baena, Hjulmand, and Giménez, and sent off Le Normand.
