Defenders reign supreme at the Calderon

Order and defensive pressure

Two of the Liga BBVA best defences did not disappoint as they went head to head at the Vicente Calderon. It was an evenly-matched game early in a game between two teams employing similarly well-rehearsed and orderly tactics. Both sides pressed high up the pitch as they stifled the opposition's wide game and attempted to neutralise their attempts to play the ball from the back.

The centre-backs dictated proceedings

The game will be remembered for its impressive defensive displays rather than either side's attacking prowess. Marcelino chose centre-backs Daniele Bonera and Victor Ruiz to marshal his defence and keep Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann at bay, whilst Diego Simeone charged Stefan Savic with deputising for the suspended Jose Gimenez alongside Diego Godin in a solid centre-back partnership that Villarreal found no way through.

Shaking things up from the bench

The first 45 minutes ended with no goals and it was all square at the break. Neither team found a way through their rival's solid defensive display and the two head coaches looked to shake things up from the bench. Simeone brought on Oliver Torres, Luciano Vietto and Matias Kranevitter in an attempt to turn the tide of battle in his favour, whilst Marcelino opted for Adrian Lopez, Denis Suarez and Leo Baptistao to break the deadlock.

A lack of accuracy in front of goal

Despite the changes, neither side managed to improve their luck in front of goal. Atletico enjoyed the better chances, whilst Villarreal threatened with a string of counter-attacks. However, neither side managed to break the deadlock as the clock ticked down and the game ended in a goalless draw.