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.
Diego Costa arrived to provide late firepower from the bench, though Atletico failed to capitalise in front of goal.