Atleti 1-0 Sporting Gijón: Player Ratings

Jan Oblak, GK: 8

Another clean sheet. Produced a spectacular point-blank stop on Alen Halilovic late in the first half and needed both hands to parry a rocket from Jony over the bar midway through the second half. Oblak's development into an elite keeper continues unabated.

Juanfran, RB: 6

Departed at halftime due to a groin problem. The Spanish international put in a decent 45-minute shift and in particular attacked very well as Atlético managed 70% possession in the first half. However, we're holding our breath that he will be good to go after the international break.

Diego Godín, CB: 8

Fantastic, commanding performance on both sides of the ball from the faraón. Halilovic and Carlos Castro got one sniff of goal between them, and the relative freedom and space conceded by Sporting Gijón's packed defense allowed Godín to venture forward many times during the match - such as when he set up Griezmann for the winner. The team really could use his headers to break them free of this scoring drought, but then, he could also use more consistent set-piece delivery.

Stefan Savic, CB: 6

Sunday was just the third appearance in red and white for Savic, and at times it certainly showed. He looked a bit uneasy and was even turned around in his own box during a rare Sporting threat. The only way he'll get better is with playing time, but with Giménez returning possibly just after the international break, he may be sent right back to the bench. There's no reason to doubt he isn't a quality CB, however.

Filipe Luís, LB: 7

Possibly Filipe's best game since his return from Chelsea. Was authoritative and dangerous going forward, delivering several dangerous crosses over the course of his 90 touches, and had little to do in defense.

Koke, RM: 5

Needs to be playing in central midfield.

Gabi, CM: 5

Needs to make way so Koke can play in central midfield.

Tiago, CM: 7

The Portuguese Pendulum was calm, cool and collected on Sunday, remarkably accurate on his long balls and excellent in the air. Again, he's 34, but you wouldn't know it. So important to the team.

Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, LM: 7

It isn't often that Cholo gets whistled for substituting a player, let alone one in his first season at the club. But it happened when Carrasco was taken off a dozen minutes from time, highlighting just how essential the Belgian has become the past few weeks. YFC came closer than almost anyone (see below) to unlocking the Sporting defense with his dribbling and explosive runs. He should be a mainstay in the XI from here on out.

Antoine Griezmann, FW: 8

After a meh first half, the Frenchman flipped the switch and returned to form in the second half. Griezmann influenced almost every Atlético attack in the final half hour, whether it was bursting through on goal to force a double save from Pichu Cuéllar or stationing himself 25 yards out and picking spots to send Jackson and others on their way. If anyone was going to break the 0-0, it was Grizi, and Godín's headed flick to him deep in added time allowed him to head in the game's only goal.

Jackson Martínez, FW: 6

Somewhat better from Jackson on Sunday. He worked hard for the team (particularly in the air) and his touches were much closer to where the team needs them to be. However, he couldn't guide his shot on target, which is kinda what Atlético bought him to do on a consistent basis. Hopefully the big Colombian continues to improve and goes on a pre-Christmas tear.

Jesús Gámez, RB: 6.5

Entered for Juanfran at halftime. For a guy who hadn't played since the end of September, Gámez looked pretty dang good on Sunday. He attacked with insistence and covered ground well when pressed into defending. The ex-Málaga captain certainly held his own and proved his value as Juanfran's deputy.

Ángel Correa, FW: 5

Entered for Koke in the 64th minute. Correa didn't provide a whole lot and has cooled off after a sizzling start to the season, but he is an intriguing option nonetheless and should remain third-choice forward even after Luciano Vietto returns.

Óliver Torres, LM: 5

Entered for Carrasco in the 78th minute. Primarily deployed as a creative outlet on the left side, Óliver again displayed his strength and skills on-ball. Eventually, his talent will manifest itself in more meaningful ways, but he's definitely fallen in the pecking order since the start of the season.