Atlético de Madrid once again dropped points in LaLiga for the second consecutive matchday. Simeone's team couldn't get past a 1-1 draw against Villarreal in a match marked by the poor refereeing of Sánchez Martínez. In the event of a Real Madrid victory, they would be four points ahead of the Colchoneros.
Besides being a very attractive match due to the level of both teams, a Villarreal player added some intrigue. For several months, there has been talk of Atlético de Madrid's interest in the star of the Yellow Submarine, Álex Baena. The Rojiblanco club has made him a priority for next summer, and it is known that the interest is very real.
Protagonist in the Match
Many of the spotlight was on Baena, as he could be facing his future team. The Spanish player was responsible for leading all of Villarreal's counterattacks, posing a threat every time the ball was at his feet. He was a protagonist in his team's goal, despite not having scored the penalty himself.
The Spanish midfielder delivered a cross from the right, which complicated Witsel's clearance, and Reinildo committed a penalty on Gerard Moreno. Gerard himself took the penalty and scored the visitors' goal. However, Baena's match wouldn't only be marked by the action of his team's goal.
Indecipherable for Atlético De Madrid's Defense
Baena's match was a clear example of what the Spaniard is as a footballer, a player who changes games. Despite starting from the left wing, his range of action on the field is enormous, making him very difficult to decipher. He was the opposing player who caused the most damage to Atlético de Madrid with his continuous diagonals from outside to inside.
In addition to what was mentioned earlier, there's the set piece, where he is one of LaLiga's top specialists. Every corner or lateral free kick from his feet was a constant threat to Atlético de Madrid. Baena's introduction at the Metropolitano was outstanding; now it remains to be seen where he will end up playing next season.