Another decent cross from the hosts, this time from Filipe Luis on the left. There are bodies in there, which is a plus, but the ball doesn't fall to the Atletico players and Villarreal clear. 

Image source, Reuters

All a bit scrappy in midfield as several players give the ball away and then battle back to win it again. You'd be more happy if you were the Atletico manager, but not by much. 

Atletico force Villarreal into a mistake as Daniele Bonera gets himself into a tangle. It eventually leads to a corner, which the visitors are able to clear but there was some space for Atletico to attack. Not sure why they aren't taking that opportunity because the crossing has been decent from Koke.  

Image source, EPA

The teams in Rome show there's no place in Luciano Spalletti's squad for Roma club legend Francesco Totti. 

Word is there's a bit of a rift between the pair.

Palermo have an 18-year-old goalkeeper in Fabrizio Alastra, who is making his first Serie A start. 

Roma XI: Szczesny, Maicon, Digne, Manolas, Rudiger, Keita, Pjanic, Nainggolan, Florenzi, Dzeko, Salah.

Palermo XI: Alastra, Morganella, Pezzella, Andjelkovic, Gonzalez, Struna, Hiljemark, Jajalo, Vazquez, Brugman, Gilardino.

Love this. Antoine Griezmann holds the ball up deep in his own half before Villarreal left-back Eric Bailly comes thumping into the back of him and wins the ball. Nothing doing, says the referee. Not that it won't stop Diego Simeone complaining! 

And we're now also under way in Rome.

Eventually Atletico float the ball into the box and Fernando Torres is under it but Villarreal goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is well out of his goal to claim.

Both sides looking to keep the ball rather than burst forward as Antoine Griezmann checks back down the right wing. 

Atletico starting to get a grip in midfield now. The ball is worked out to Koke on the right again, he fizzes in another low cross but no-one is there. Disappointing that no-one is willing to gamble. That's twice now. 

Image source, AFP

First half-chance of the game as Saul Niguez shimmies into the box, turns inside and lets fly but it's well over. Someone high in the crowd gets an early touch of the ball. 

Villarreal come into this this game 10 games unbeaten in La Liga. They will take their time growing into this game which may frustrate the noisy home crowd at the Vicente Calderon. They are already making a decent racket. 

Little bit of confusion in the Atletico defence as Roberto Soldado chases the ball, but Stefan Savic mops up. Fairly quiet start. 

Fernando Torres gives chase and earns Atletico an early corner. The first one is wasted by Koke and the second one is headed clear but then the hosts regain the ball and Koke fizzes another cross along the six yard line but no-one was brave or willing enough to attack it. 

This one is going to be tight, and there's not much between the two sides in the early stages. Atletico, marshalled by the excellent Diego Godin, are employing a high line. Villarreal appeal for a penalty as Samu Castillejo goes down under a challenge but the referee isn't interested. 

And we are off. Villarreal get us under way. 

The players are out on the pitch, a cool night in the Spanish capital at the Vicente Calderon. 

Worth pointing out that not only is this match third versus fourth, it is also a contest between the teams who conceded fewest goals in La Liga. 

Also worth noting that Fernando Torres has scored more La Liga goals against Villarreal than any other team. Show us your skills Nando!

In addition to the latest from La Liga, we'll also keep you updated on Roma's match against Palermo as they seek a place in the Champions League next season. 

Luciano Spalletti's side are five points behind third-placed Fiorentina with Palermo three points above the relegation zone. Kick-off is 19:45 GMT. 

Two goals in his last two games means that Fernando Torres continues up top for Atletico alongside Antoine Griezmann. 

One goal in 11 games for former Tottenham flop Roberto Soldado sees him continue for Villarreal. 

Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak, Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Luis, Koke, Gabi, Niguez, Correa, Griezmann, Torres. 

Villarreal XI: Areola, Gaspar, Bonera, Ruiz, Bailly, Rukavina, Soriano, Pina, Castillejo, Soldado, Bakumbu. 

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, EPA

It's also worth pointing out Valencia are performing a nicely-crafted u-turn in form under Senor Gary Neville. A 2-1 win over bottom-of-the-table Granada might not be a result to bleat about but it's a third consecutive win for Manchester's own son after victories over Espanyol in La Liga last weekend and the Europa League thrashing against Rapid Vienna. 

Patience is a virtue, you could say.