Diego Simeone’s men were disappointing in their draw against Yellow Submarine in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid have been held to a goalless draw at home by Villarreal at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Luis Suarez made his first home start, which eventually ended as a disappointing one as he was taken off sooner in the second half. The Uruguayan’s performance against Villarreal was a far cry from his heroics in the debut against Granada.
Suarez looked lost through the first half and as were Atletico Madrid, who registered hardly any shot.
The visitors had the control of the game from the very beginning and their skipper Mario had a go at the goal from outside the penalty box, which was parried away by Jan Oblak. The Slovenian goalkeeper showed once again why he is one of the best at his position as he would save another attempt by Mario in the second half.
Atletico midfielder Koke also had a header denied by Sergio Asenjo in the first half as the Villarreal keeper was hardly tested throughout the game.
Diego Costa, Hector Herrera and Yannick Carrasco were called in the second half, but Diego Simeone’s attempts proved futile in the end.
The Rojiblancos started their campaign on a high note, winning the game against 6-1. It was flattering to deceive as they have picked up back to back defeats, the former one was against Huesca.
Oblak proved to be the only saving grace of Atletico as his crucial saves made the difference in the end.
Meanwhile, Villarreal have gained their momentum – a win and a draw – following their 4-0 defeat against Barcelona last week.