Diego Simeone: 'Fans have an important role against Villarreal'

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has called on the club's supporters to inspire the capital outfit against Villarreal.

The Spanish champions welcome Villarreal to the Vicente Calderon on Sunday knowing that three points would move them joint-second in La Liga.

"The team, together with the fans, will play a great game. We all have to come together," Simeone told the club's official website.

"The match is played on the pitch and we obviously need to send all the positive energy from the pitch to the outside. That's what we've always transmitted and hopefully it remains the same."

Atletico have won their last three games in the league, but remain seven points behind leaders Real Madrid.