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Levante 2-1 Atlético Madrid: Unsurprisingly Surprising Player Ratings

Atleti's title hopes extinguished in dismal game

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

We should have seen that coming. Atlético Madrid suffered the hangoverest of all Champions League hangovers on Sunday, reminding us all in the process to take each game as it comes and not think too far ahead.

Atlético saw its hopes of a second La Liga title in three years destroyed with yet another loss to Levante - the side's fourth at Ciutat de Valencia since 2007 (two draws from the other two games there). Bottom side Levante were mathematically relegated last week, but no matter. Playing for pride or a mythical Europa League spot (or something), Rubi's side fell behind early, equalized before halftime, relied on its goalkeeper for some key saves, got away with a handball in the box and scored late on the counterattack.

In other words, this was just like every other Atleti away game at Levante since 2007.

That's not to say Atleti played a great game and just got unlucky; they played horribly and thoroughly deserved to lose, as you'll see below.

Enjoy Segunda. Stay awhile.

Jan Oblak, GK: 5

Caught out of position on Levante's equalizer but got hung out to dry on Giuseppe Rossi's winner (didn't you just know he would score as soon as he came on?). Can no longer set the record for fewest goals conceded in a La Liga season.

Juanfran, RB: 5

Looked a bit uneasy and sloppy. Committed too many fouls and his delivery was poor.

Stefan Savic, CB: 4

Savic had himself a shocker, thereby falling victim to the Ciutat Curse (trademarking that). Missed the ball by about 12 yards when he tried to prevent Mauricio Cuero's cross to Casadesús (the equalizer) and never quite got his positioning right after that. Was he a stopper? Was he supposed to provide cover for Giménez? How many licks does it take to get to the - forget it. Savic was bad.

José Giménez, CB: 5

Almost conceded another penalty and could have been sent off. /fart noise

Filipe Luís, LB: 5

Had the best game of anyone in the back four, which is sad because he didn't play very well.

Gabi, RM: 6

Relatively anonymous over his 70 minutes. The pace picked up again after he departed, interestingly. Perhaps lacked some energy?

Augusto Fernández, CM: 4

Two games in a row in which he failed to make an impact and played only 45 minutes. Even with nothing to play for next week, I doubt Augusto gets into the XI.

Saúl Ñíguez, CM: 6

Played an effective game. Displayed some nice touches and was smart defensively.

Koke, LM: 7

Registered his 14th assist of the season on Fernando Torres' opener and was active in defense. Displayed more attacking intent in the second half but the final ball was just not there. Can't be faulted for effort, though.

Ángel Correa, FW: 6

Moved well and caused some miscommunication in the Levante defense. Didn't link up particularly well with anyone, however, despite the danger he presented. Lasted only 45 minutes.

Fernando Torres, FW: 7

Scored his 10th league goal inside two minutes with a lofted right-footed finish. Ran the channels well, especially in the first half, and found plenty of space. Took a nasty gash to the head/neck area after an early second half collision with David Navarro, carried on but wasn't able to net a second.

Yannick Carrasco, FW: 6

Came on for Augusto at halftime. Full of pace and directness, started several blistering counters. Unfortunately, shot was inaccurate, final ball wasn't there, yadda yadda yadda.

Antoine Griezmann, FW: 5

Came on for Correa at halftime. Forced one decent save out of Diego Mariño but never truly got going.

Thomas Partey, RM: 5

Came on for Gabi in the 69th minute. Thomas scored the winning goal in the reverse fixture but had no such luck this time. He was denied a stonewall penalty late in the game as Levante's Juanfran used his forearm/hand to bat away a shot attempt.

Atleti return to the Vicente Calderón next week, where things can't get much worse, to play Celta Vigo.