Atlético: Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godín, Filipe Luis; Koke, Gabi, Saúl Ñíguez (Kranevitter 80‘), Correa (Vietto 68‘); Griezmann (Oliver Torres 61‘), Fernando Torres. 4-4-2.
Villarreal: Areola; Mario Gaspar, Bonera, Víctor Ruíz, Eric Bailly; Rukavina, Tomás Pina, Bruno, Samu Castillejo (Denis Suárez 67’); Soldado (Adrián López 62‘), Bakambu (Leo Baptistao 81’). 4-4-2.
Goals: None.
Yellow cards: Samu Castillejo 61’, Gabi 68’, Filipe Luis 73’, Eric Bailly 76’.
Second placed Atlético could only draw 0-0 against fourth placed Villarreal in the last match of the weekend, the result leaving Simeone’s side eight points adrift of leaders Barcelona, and keeping the visitors five points behind their hosts after a twelfth game in a row without defeat. Although both teams had chances in the first half, neither keeper was particularly troubled, Areola saving comfortably from Koke, Correa and Saúl, and Oblak a mere spectator as efforts from Rukavina and Bonera went wide. Griezmann did head a Juanfran cross just wide of the mark though on the stroke of half time, and after the restart Areola had to tip a dangerous effort from Correa over the bar. Oblak’s first and only real save came later on from Bakambu, and in the end both coaches settled for a point.