Soccer-Villarreal hold Atletico Madrid to a draw in first game of season

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Villarreal v Atletico Madrid - Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal, Spain - August 19, 2024 Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez in action with Villarreal's Dani Parejo REUTERS/Pablo Morano

(Reuters) -Atletico Madrid fought back twice to earn a point from an entertaining 2-2 draw at Villarreal in their LaLiga season opener on Monday.

Diego Simeone's Atleti started well and had a Reinildo Mandava goal ruled out for offside, then created a couple of chances with Samuel Lino who was denied by inspired Villarreal goalkeeper Diego Alcoado.