Jan Oblak, GK: 8
Made a massive save on Roberto Torres’ spot kick early in the first half, guessing correctly and getting down to slap the ball away. Osasuna outshot Atletico Madrid on the day, but Oblak was cozy on the way to a second consecutive clean sheet.
Juanfran, RB: 7
Juanfran’s return to Pamplona went well. He was superb in defense and managed lots of touches in the final third as the more-attacking full back in Filipe Luis’ absence.
Jose Gimenez, CB: 6
To be fair, Gimenez improved greatly as the game went on, but his first half hour is precisely why Diego Simeone cannot play him on a consistent basis. Josema conceded a penalty by shoving Oriol Riera to the ground, nearly conceded another one minutes later and was somewhat lucky to avoid a red card for a cynical challenge on Alex Berenguer. Again, once Atletico went ahead he played a lot better, but Josema is often Jekyll and Hyde in the same game, and Sunday was another example.
Diego Godin, CB: 8
Scored his first goal of the season - and Atletico’s first from a corner in ages - to turn momentum in his side’s favor for good. Wasn’t bothered much by Osasuna’s forwards and won a few trademark headers.
Lucas Hernandez, LB: 7
Lucas displayed a bit more attacking intent than in previous appearances at left back. He did not, however, compromise his steady positioning or aerial skill.
Angel Correa, RM: 6
Missed another sitter away from the Vicente Calderon for his only chance of the game. But he did set up Kevin Gameiro’s goal with a lovely ball over the top.
Gabi, CM: 7
Combined on-ball guile with rock-solid awareness and positioning. El capitan led the team in touches (WhoScored credited him with 105) and looks reinvigorated playing next to Tiago.
Tiago, CM: 8
Con Tiago es otra película.
— Rubén Uría (@rubenuria) November 27, 2016
That’s two straight starts for the Portuguese and two clean sheets. Simeone’s decision to bring the 35-year-old back into the fold and turn things back over to the league-winning engine room is paying off so far. Tiago took a few poor touches Sunday, but his long ball delivery and superior positioning allowed Atletico to play differently, to retain more control over the tempo of a game. It is indeed a different movie that shows when Tiago is playing.
Koke, LM: 7
Koke assisted Godin’s goal with his best corner in a long time. He drifted more toward the middle late in the first half and into the second while playing rugged defense on both wings. I still doubt the move back to the wing is a permanent solution, but Koke’s familiarity with the position and what Simeone asks of him in it will keep him a productive player in one way or another.
Antoine Griezmann, FW: 6
Griezmann crafted a couple great chances for Correa and Gameiro in the first half but struggled to get shots for himself. His work rate was great, however, and luckily his goals were not required on this day.
Kevin Gameiro, FW: 7
Like the game against PSV, Gameiro had to miss a really great chance or two before finding the back of the net - which he did almost immediately after Godin notched the opener. A really clever knockdown from a Correa pass sent the Frenchman on his way and he finished with power.
Yannick Carrasco, RM: 7
Entered for Correa in the 65th minute. Carrasco’s entry initially did not make a whole lot of sense - Atletico were ahead 2-0 away to a bad team with less than half an hour to go - but in another instance of “Cholo Knows,” he salted this one away with a great individual effort. The third goal had been coming after Atleti were denied two penalties by Mateu Lahoz, and it finally happened when YFC stole the ball and beat two defenders with grace before placing a powerful shot out of Nauzet’s reach. His sixth goal of the league season places him on level footing with Gameiro and Griezmann.
Saul Niguez, CM: 6
Entered for Gameiro in the 71st minute. Saul played well in his limited minutes, showing some nice touches, helping to beef up the midfield and keep the game comfortable for Atletico. He will probably start against Guijuelo in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.
Thomas Partey, CM: N/A
Entered for Griezmann in the 84th minute. Didn’t get much time to make a mark, but this was preparation for a likely start in the Copa this week.