Elche 1-1 Atlético Madrid: Copa del Rey player ratings

Atlético Madrid had a night — or at least a second half — to forget against Elche in their first Copa del Rey outing on Wednesday night. A Thomas Partey goal gave Atlético the lead in the first half but they conceded through a Lolo penalty in the second 45. Here are how the players graded out at Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.

Miguel Angel Moya

Had little to do in the first half but ended up making a few really good saves. Solid but not spectacular, which is exactly what you are looking for from your goalkeeper.

Šime Vrsaljko

Got forward plenty and sent in several crosses that could have been sent home on another occasion. Still looks like a player trying to get into a rhythm, and he’s playing like someone trying to impress — which isn’t a bad thing, but a more calm and collected Vrsaljko would certainly help Atlético going forward and back.

José Giménez - 7.5

Typically gritty performance. Looked a threat from set-pieces and was ferocious in what he did at the back. The game turned a little frantic at the end and Atlético’s defence on the whole looked a little scattershot but he did well. Also had a nice assist for the goal.

Lucas Herández - 7

Solid. Turning into a leader in defense. Unfortunately got turned around for the penalty and lunged into the tackle. Tried hard to make amends and constantly covered for Vrsaljko when he bombed forward.

Sergi González - 7

Looked a little raw at some stages but did well. Very little return down the left-hand side but grew into the game as it went along. Kept it simple, as he likes to do, and should earn more opportunities in the Copa del Rey off this performance.

Thomas Partey - 8

Did well as the primary initiator for Atlético with Augusto in a more complementary role. Landed a nice header to open the scoring and tried to be creative from his role as the deepest midfielder. Never afraid to drive forward and look for an adventurous pass.

Augusto Fernández - 6.5

Did well in his first minutes of the season but took a back seat to Thomas in the first half and never really had the chance to inflict his style on the game as Elche grew into it. Should get better with more minutes but a largely quiet match from a man who is looked at as a solution to some of Atlético’s problems.

Keidi Bare - 5

Ran around a lot, which is a facet of his game, but failed to really make any sort of impression — which is another facet of his game. He was possibly played out of position and he doesn’t like playing defensive teams, but this is a big opportunity wasted for the 20-year-old.

Nico Gaitán

Showed flashes of being an important player in this team but faded at the end. While he created a perfect chance for Torres that the striker failed to convert, Gaitán was not as incisive as he needs to be. Improvement was there to see but he needs to make further strides to challenge Yannick Carrasco for a full-time place in the team.

Luciano Vietto - 5

Hard to criticise a player who is trying hard, gets no luck and ends up sabotaging himself when he is given an opportunity. Ran around a lot Wednesday but missed three one-on-ones. Coming back from this would be a turn-around for the ages.

Fernando Torres - 6

Difficult to know exactly what Torres brings to the table for Atlético anymore. He did provide a couple of chances for Vietto that he missed, but El Niño not a threat running the channels and he’s not dangerous in the air.