Second-running squad Atletico Madrid (17-4-3, 54 points) will try to extend its two-game winning run to three games as it meets fellow contending team Villarreal CF (14-4-6, 48 points) at the Vicente Calderón Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 21st for a 2015-2016 La Liga season matchup.
Atletico Madrid nipped Getafe CF, 1-0, in their most recent match held at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez last Sunday, as reported by Goal.
Spanish striker Fernando Torres scored the lone goal of the match right at the second minute, his 100th as an Atleti player, coming off a fantastic assist from midfielder Yannick Carrasco to give Diego Simeone's team an additional three points in the overall standings.
Los Colchoneros eased through the remaining minutes of the game and seemed content to score the opening goal as Getafe found it hard to break through the visitors' defense led by Diego Godin, Juanfran, and Filipe Luis who all came back from suspensions.
With the win, Atleti stayed a point above third-running and neighborhood rival Real Madrid in a close battle for the domestic league's top spots.
Meanwhile, Villarreal also pulled off the same 1-0 victory, this time against middling squad Malaga CF last Saturday, as per SkySportsMeanwhile, Villarreal also pulled off the same 1-0 victory, this time against middling squad Malaga CF last Saturday, as per SkySports.
Roberto Soldado, another Spanish striker, netted the winner at the 18th minute of the match via a brilliant cross from Brazilian forward Leo Baptistao.
The win was El Submarino Amarillo's second in their last five matches with other three ending in draws. Marcelino's team is currently on an eleven-game unbeaten run with their last defeat coming in Nov. 29th of last year on the road against Getafe.
Villarreal is at the no. 4 spot of the league table at the moment, five points clear off Real Madrid and 12 points behind defending champions and current league leaders Barcelona.
The predicted result is a tough 2-1 win for Atletico Madrid. Villarreal will drop their first game in months against another inspired effort from Torres, who have scored in Atleti's two consecutive victories.
Atletico Madrid starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Luis; Koke, Fernandez, Niguez, Carrasco; Torres, Griezmann
Villarreal starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Areola; Mario, Musacchio, Ruiz, Costa; dos Santos, Trigueros, Bruno, Suarez; Baptistao, Soldado