Marc Pubill gave the hosts the lead in the 59th minute with a superb long-range strike. Villarreal responded quickly, equalising through a Gerard Moreno penalty in the 66th minute.
The visitors then took the lead after Robin Le Normand was sent off in the 76th minute for a foul on Georges Mikautadze inside the area. Mikautadze converted the resulting penalty two minutes later to put Villarreal ahead.
Atlético refused to accept defeat. In the 85th minute, Giuliano Simeone finished clinically from an Álex Baena assist to level the scores and earn a valuable point for Diego Simeone’s side.
The match remained goalless at half-time, with both teams creating limited clear opportunities. Atlético improved after the break and took the lead through Pubill’s curling effort from distance. Villarreal’s response was immediate and clinical from the penalty spot.
Le Normand’s dismissal left Atlético with a numerical disadvantage for the closing stages, yet the home side continued to press. Simeone’s late equaliser rewarded their persistence and ensured the points were shared.
The result leaves both teams with a point from the fixture. Atlético showed character to recover after falling behind while a man down, while Villarreal will feel they let a winning position slip in the final minutes.
Julián Álvarez returned to the squad and featured as a substitute. The draw provides Atlético with a hard-earned point as they continue their La Liga campaign.