Atlético Madrid claimed their first LaLiga victory of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Villarreal at the Metropolitano Stadium, thanks to goals from Pablo Barrios and Nico González.
Barrios gave the hosts an early advantage, and González’s header shortly after the interval sealed Villarreal’s first defeat of the campaign.
After a disappointing start with two draws following an opening-day loss to Espanyol, Atlético dominated from the outset.
Spain midfielder Barrios opened the scoring, slotting home Julián Álvarez’s assist into the bottom corner.
Villarreal, who had entered the weekend in fourth place after two consecutive home wins and a draw at Celta Vigo, threatened late in the first half.
Nicolas Pepe’s superb free kick hit the crossbar, and Sergi Cardona saw his follow-up saved by Jan Oblak.
The visitors’ resistance was broken early in the second half when González powered a header past the goalkeeper from Marcos Llorente’s cross.
Renato Veiga’s late effort was blocked, and Santi Comesaña narrowly missed with a header in stoppage time, leaving Villarreal unable to respond.
With the win, Atlético climbs to ninth in the LaLiga standings, finally getting their season back on track.
