Atletico Madrid 1-0 Deportivo: Player Ratings

Jan Oblak, GK: 6

Oblak’s clean sheet streak ended at four on Wednesday but he may have started a new one Sunday. The Slovene was caught out just once in the process, as Lucas Hernandez saved his bacon by clearing a ball from under the crossbar.

Juanfran, RB: 6

Not the bearded wizard’s best game in the final third, as his crossing was not up to par in the first half particularly. However, it was his ball to Kevin Gameiro that allowed the Frenchman to set up Antoine Griezmann for the game’s only goal.

Jose Gimenez, CB: 5

Gimenez did his hamstring during a duel with Florin Andone in the first half and had to leave the game. Early indications are that the injury is not serious, but it is likely that we will not see Josema again until after international break.

Diego Godin, CB: 8

Another big performance from the Uruguayan. Faultless at the back with zero fouls, and his long ball delivery was very crisp, allowing Atletico to keep consistent pressure on German Lux and the Deportivo back line. He also made a critical headed clearance in the dying moments to preserve the win.

Filipe Luis, LB: 7

Atletico’s best spells in the first half came on Filipe’s side, and because he had little to do in defense, he was able to set up threatening opportunities consistently due to the space he was given on Laure’s side.

Nicolas Gaitan, RM/LM: 8

Gaitan’s best outing so far. He started this game on the right wing, but Augusto’s injury and Gabi’s entry meant a lot of his touches came on the left. After grinding through 90 minutes against Sporting Gijon last week, Gaitan was able to flash his more creative side Sunday. He registered 87 touches (per WhoScored) and showed off the dynamic passing range - short passes, crosses, long balls - that can make him such a threat in this team. He may not start Wednesday, but Gaitan is coming along.

Augusto Fernandez, CM: N/A

Augusto tore his right ACL inside 20 minutes and it is very likely that his season is over. #AnimoAugusto

Koke, CM: 7

Koke completed 96% of his passes Sunday - impressive considering he totaled a whopping 132 touches (again per WhoScored). A very effective performance in a deeper-lying role from the canterano, who at 24 years old has cracked Atletico’s all-time top 40 in league appearances.

Angel Correa, FW: 6

A full 90 minutes from Correa, who was full of pace and skill in the first half and a lot of willing running and passing in the second half. Didn’t have the scoring boots on like he did Wednesday, but he put in a solid game.

Antoine Griezmann, FW: 7

Griezmann was not at his best Sunday, but he came up big when it mattered most. He scored his fifth league goal - a tally he did not reach until November last season - with a little more than 20 minutes to go to seal an important three points, as he took a super pass from Gameiro and slotted into the net from a few yards out.

Yannick Carrasco, FW: 6

Carrasco hit post and crossbar with score still at 0-0 as his search for a goal continues. His lack of luck possibly contributed to his earlier-than-anticipated exit, as did the fact that Bayern Munich come to town Wednesday.

Gabi, RM: 7

Entered for Augusto in the 19th minute. Not expected to play Sunday, the captain was called upon after Augusto’s exit and marshaled the midfield superbly, breaking up play and positioning himself well to recover the ball.

Lucas Hernández, CB: 7

Entered for Gimenez in the 35th minute. Sunday showed why Lucas should be regarded as a big prospect. He held his own on his season debut after being thrust into action following Gimenez’ injury. Lucas got his positioning right, was good in the air and Jan Oblak owes him dinner after he headed away a shot under the crossbar.

Kevin Gameiro, FW: 7

Entered for Carrasco in the 58th minute. Diego Simeone (giving himself some credit) remarked that Gameiro’s entry was the difference. What Gameiro and Griezmann lack in height, they make up for in speed and intelligence. It was Gameiro’s ball from the right side of the box that found an onside Griezmann just a few yards out, and it was the duo’s pace and burgeoning chemistry that allowed them to get into the positions needed to create the goal. Gameiro isn’t scoring like a #9 yet, but that’s ok; he’s fitting in.