The 2025/26 La Liga season has concluded. In the final matchday, Villarreal hosted Atletico in a decisive clash for 3rd place, thrashing their opponents 5-1.
Before the match at the Estadio de la Cerámica, the situation seemed favorable for Atletico. A draw would have been enough for Diego Simeone's side to secure 3rd place. However, a completely different scenario unfolded on the pitch: Villarreal played an attacking, intense, and highly efficient game.
The scoring opened in the 30th minute. Dani Parejo converted a penalty to put the 'Yellow Submarine' ahead. Four minutes later, Perez scored the second goal, further strengthening the hosts' lead.
In the 40th minute, Mikautadze found the net to make it a rout. Atletico responded with a goal from Pubill in the 43rd minute. However, this goal was not enough for the Madrid side to get back into the game. Instead, Gueye scored another in the 45th minute, extending Villarreal's lead to 4-1 by halftime.
The hosts did not ease off in the second half. In the 54th minute, Perez scored his second goal to complete a brace and set the final score at 5-1. This goal effectively extinguished Atletico's hopes for 3rd place.
This defeat was devastating for Diego Simeone's team. The 'Colchoneros' finished the season without a trophy, ending up in 4th place with 69 points. Conceding 5 goals in a match where a draw would have sufficed was a bitter blow for the club's fans.
This match also held special significance for Antoine Griezmann. The French star played his final game for Atletico. However, his farewell match did not end as warmly or brightly as expected, but rather with a heavy defeat.
Villarreal finished the season in 3rd place with 72 points thanks to this victory. The 'Yellow Submarine' placed behind Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga standings. This is a massive result for the team and a source of great confidence ahead of next season.
La Liga. Matchday 38
Villarreal — Atletico 5-1
May 24, Estadio de la Cerámica
Goals: Parejo 30 (pen), Perez 34, 54, Mikautadze 40, Gueye 45 — Pubill 43.
Villarreal: Tenas, Mourinho, Navarro, Marin, Pedraza, Pepe, Gueye, Parejo, Moleiro, Perez, Mikautadze.
Atletico: Musso, Llorente, Pubill, Lenglet, Hancko, Baena, Koke, Vargas, Simeone, Griezmann, Lookman.
Yellow Card: Simeone 27.
In short, Villarreal showed true character on the final day of La Liga. The 5-1 victory over Atletico propelled them to 3rd place, while Simeone's men finished the season in 4th without any silverware. It wasn't just the 'Yellows' who exploded at the Cerámica today, but the entire season.
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