The highly anticipated tactical showdown between Diego Simeone and Unai Emery played out as a goalless stalemate, as Villarreal left the Wanda Metropolitano with a point in the bag.
Luis Suarez was hoping to build upon his hugely successful debut with his new club, though was unable to find the back of the net in a frustrating afternoon of football.
The former Barcelona and Liverpool man came closest to breaking the deadlock, but found himself thwarted by in-form goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo.
Luis Suarez couldn't provide the spark Atletico Madrid needed to break down Villarreal
Diego Costa arrived to provide late firepower from the bench and twice came close to snatching a late winner but on both occasions failed to convert Yannick Carrasco's crosses into the box.