Champions League: Atletico Madrid Player Ratings (2-1 Win)
Atletico Madrid snatched a vital 2-1 victory in their Champions League clash, showcasing resilience and clinical finishing. While the performance wasn't flawlessly executed, the grit and determination displayed by Diego Simeone's men secured three crucial points. Let's delve into a detailed analysis of each player's contribution, offering individual ratings to reflect their impact on the game.
Goalkeepers
Jan Oblak (8/10): Oblak was once again Atletico's last line of defense, showcasing his exceptional shot-stopping abilities. He made several crucial saves, particularly in the second half, preventing the opposition from equalizing or even taking the lead. His command of the area and distribution were also commendable, demonstrating his overall importance to the team. A truly world-class performance from the Slovenian international. His experience and composure under pressure were vital assets in securing the win.
Defenders
Nahuel Molina (7/10): Molina provided a tireless presence down the right flank. He delivered some dangerous crosses, showed good defensive positioning, and contributed significantly to Atletico's attacking transitions. While his end product could be improved, his overall work rate and commitment were undeniable. He offered a balanced attacking and defensive contribution, crucial in Simeone's system. His willingness to track back and support the defense was key.
Stefan Savic (7.5/10): The Serbian international put in a commanding performance at the heart of Atletico's defense. Savic's physical presence and aerial dominance were vital in neutralizing the opponent's attacking threat. He won numerous headers, made important tackles, and organized the backline effectively. A rock at the back, Savic's experience shone through in a match demanding strong defensive organization.
José María Giménez (7/10): Partnering Savic, Giménez provided a solid defensive contribution. His pace and anticipation helped him intercept several dangerous passes. He displayed his usual strength in one-on-one situations and was effective in dealing with aerial balls. While perhaps not as dominant as Savic, Giménez provided a reliable presence, ensuring a strong defensive partnership.
Reinildo Mandava (7/10): Reinildo offered a reliable performance at left-back, showcasing his defensive capabilities and ability to contribute to the team's attacking transitions. He showed great pace to recover defensively and contributed positively in the build-up play. His defensive solidity ensured Atletico maintained a secure backline.
Midfielders
Rodrigo De Paul (7.5/10): De Paul was influential in the midfield, controlling the tempo of the game and dictating the play. He recovered possession diligently, made intelligent passes, and displayed his tenacity throughout the match. His driving runs and ability to break up the opposition's attacks were instrumental. A vital presence in the heart of the midfield.
Marcos Llorente (8/10): Llorente’s box-to-box energy was a crucial element of Atletico's performance. He provided an outstanding work rate, winning back possession, driving forward, and creating chances for his teammates. His versatility and physicality were key to Atletico's success, showcasing the complete midfielder he's becoming.
Geoffrey Kondogbia (7/10): Kondogbia anchored the midfield effectively, breaking up opposition attacks and providing a solid platform for his teammates to build from. His disciplined performance, combined with his ability to shield the defense, helped Atletico control the midfield battle and dictate the flow of the game. His physical presence allowed the more attacking midfielders to flourish.
Forwards
Antoine Griezmann (8.5/10): Griezmann's performance was pivotal to Atletico's victory. He delivered a masterful display, showcasing his creative brilliance and clinical finishing. His assist for the opening goal highlighted his vision and passing ability. He constantly threatened the opponent's defense and showed exceptional link-up play with his teammates. His impact on the game was significant, demonstrating his quality as a true playmaker.
Álvaro Morata (7.5/10): Morata proved his value with a well-taken goal, showcasing his clinical finishing in front of the goal. He worked tirelessly, creating space for his teammates and causing problems for the opposing defenders with his movement and hold-up play. While he might not have been as involved as Griezmann, his goal was crucial in securing the victory.
Yannick Carrasco (7/10): Carrasco's contributions were effective, adding pace and width to Atletico's attack. His runs down the wing stretched the opposition’s defense, creating space for his teammates. While he might not have scored, his work rate and intelligent movement were valuable assets. His pace and dribbling ability are valuable weapons in Atletico's attack.
Substitutes
Ángel Correa (6.5/10): Correa provided an energetic impact from the bench, injecting fresh legs into the team and maintaining the intensity of Atletico's play. His late substitution helped consolidate the team's position and see out the game.
Mario Hermoso (6/10): Introduced in the latter stages, Hermoso provided defensive solidity, helping to secure the victory. He maintained the team's defensive shape and ensured Atletico kept their clean sheet.
Saúl Ñíguez (N/A): Played too little time to warrant a rating.
Overall Team Performance
Atletico Madrid's victory was a testament to their collective strength, determination, and tactical flexibility. Their defensive organization was exceptionally strong, while their attacking players showed moments of brilliance. The team displayed a clear game plan, executed effectively to overcome a challenging opponent. The win was built on solid defensive foundations, fueled by attacking moments of real quality. The team's unity and spirit were evident throughout the ninety minutes, underscoring their commitment to achieving victory. This performance is a strong statement of intent for the rest of their Champions League campaign.
This comprehensive analysis offers a detailed insight into each player's contribution to Atletico Madrid's Champions League victory. The team's performance showcased their strengths – a robust defense, a dynamic midfield, and clinical attacking play – crucial elements in securing the hard-fought win. Their determination and resilience were vital factors in claiming three crucial points in a high-pressure environment.