Atletico Madrid 4-2 Malaga: Player Ratings

Jan Oblak, GK: 5

First time since May that Oblak has conceded two in a game. First goal was a stupendous free kick effort off the boot of Sandro, second one was a header from Ignacio Camacho that Oblak really should have had.

Juanfran, RB: 8

Much better from the bearded one. Juanfran led the team in touches Saturday and beat his marking with ease. He was a calming presence as wild events unfolded around him.

Stefan Savic, CB: 5

Sent off on the hour after picking up two yellow cards in 10 minutes. The second yellow may have been unlucky, but as it stands, Atletico have had a player expelled in back-to-back games and will be without the Montenegrin for next Saturday’s trip to Anoeta.

Diego Godin, CB: 6

Not Godin’s best game, but he was there when Malaga put Atletico under the cosh. He also narrowly missed scoring on a diving header, as he couldn’t quite get on the end of an Angel Correa cross.

Filipe Luis, LB: 7

Made a crucial pass to Antoine Griezmann just before Kevin Gameiro notched his second goal. Long ball delivery was pinpoint and he was rarely troubled in defense.

Nicolas Gaitan, RM: N/A

Had to be subbed after half an hour due to a gluteal injury. So tough for Gaitan, who looked more comfortable this time out (although he has to cut out the fouls).

Gabi, CM: 7

Gabi got Chory Castro sent off in a moment of wily veteran instinct. Over the 90 minutes his passing and tackling helped Atletico keep a firm grip on affairs in the midfield.

Saul Niguez, CM: 7

Saul got a full 90 minutes for the first time in a month and ran with it. Saw him in a real box-to-box role, breaking up play in front of the back four and registering a couple shots at Carlos Kameni’s goal higher up the pitch. Very solid game from the canterano that helped mitigate the loss of Koke.

Yannick Carrasco, LM: 9

This guy. Carrasco scored a brace and nearly had himself another hat trick, as a free kick 15 minutes from time kissed the crossbar. A dazzling piece of footwork inside the box preceded his first goal, and he latched onto a long ball before beating Kameni far post to seal the game. Carrasco now has scored seven goals in all competitions this season; no other midfielder in Europe has more.

Antoine Griezmann, FW: 8

Registered two assists in his hour of work. He played a simple pass through to Carrasco to set up the opener and nodded the ball to Gameiro prior to Atleti’s third. Griezmann was unlucky not to complete his Saturday with a goal, as Kameni denied his best effort with a top-drawer foot save.

Kevin Gameiro, FW: 9

The other half of the “French Connection” took his energy and intent from last week’s game at Sevilla and turned it into goals against Malaga. Gameiro took advantage of defensive errors from Kone and Camacho to score his first goal, then offered up sublime control and a superb finish on his second. He’s up to five league goals after this display - tied with Carrasco and one behind Griezmann.

Angel Correa, RM: 7

Entered for Gaitan in the 31st minute. Correa filled in very well for Gaitan, as he created openings with some really excellent and incisive passing. That included the assist on Carrasco’s second goal late in the second half. He just seems to have a different mindset when he starts on the bench.

Lucas, CB: 6

Entered for Griezmann on the hour. Shuffled on to replace to the expelled Savic, Lucas registered few touches and faced little trouble.

Tiago, CM: 6

Entered for Gameiro in the 66th minute. The Portuguese’s presence helped to restore balance for the hosts after Camacho’s goal cut Atleti’s lead to 3-2.