Athletic Club 1-2 Atlético Madrid: Player Ratings

Atlético Madrid moved up the gears in the second half to put Athletic Bilbao to the sword in San Mamés on Wednesday night.

Well-worked goals from Ángel Correa and Yannick Carrasco saw Diego Simeone’s side to a deserved victory in Bilbao, with several positive individual performances on the night.

While Athletic piled the pressure on with a goal in injury time from Raúl García, it was too little too late for the Basque outfit.

Jan Oblak - 8

Will be disappointed not to register another clean sheet, but was not at fault for the goal from García. While he didn’t have that much to do overall he was so impressive once again when called upon, most notably when saving a penalty from Aritz Aduriz.

José María Giménez - 7

Shoe-horned in at right back by Simeone as a possible alternative to Juanfran. Didn’t look hugely out of place but whether he can be considered as a long-term option remains to be seen.

Filipe Luis - 7

Was substituted with ten minutes to go, but his attacking threat was not present for the time he was on the pitch. He was harshly penalised for the spot-kick in the first half despite a near-perfect tackle.

Diego Godín - 7

Maintained his usual commanding presence at the back against a largely blunt Athletic attack. His partnership with Savić is getting stronger and stronger by the game.

Stefan Savic - 8

The big centre-half was unfazed by the presence of Aduriz when he came into his area, and was comfortable in dealing with any aerial threat that came his way. Savic is becoming a real leader for this side and all his battling qualities were there to see tonight.

Thomas Partey - 6

Was unable to exert much of an influence on the game after picking up a yellow card early on. In frantic first half where a lot of play was coming through the middle he could have done more to allow Atleti to control the game.

Saúl Ñíguez - 7

Assured performance from the central midfielder. Showed a lot of composure in a chaotic first half, and managed to get a couple long range shots off.

Koke - 9 (MOTM)

This was the Koke we know and love. The midfielder seemed to get on a lot of ball to good effect in a congested middle third. Excellent pull-back for Correa’s goal when he could have easily panicked and gone for the shot himself.

Nico Gaitán - 6

The former Benfica player put in a steady shift in midfield without being spectacular, and was replaced by Carrasco after an hour.

Antoine Griezmann - 8

Had a key creative influence in both of los rojiblancos’ goals, with the second one a delightful ball through to Carrasco. Continues to remain highly influential despite not getting himself into as many goalscoring areas himself.

Ángel Correa - 8

Continued his excellent start to the season and was a thorn in Athletic’s side all night. Takes his tally to the season for three and after tonight’s performance Simeone dare not leave his young compatriot out of the team.

Yannick Carrasco - 7

Impressive contribution off the bench from the Belgian, great movement and expert finishing got him on the scoresheet after a link-up with Griezmann.

Gabi - 5

Replaced Correa to shore up the midfield but did not have much of an impact and was beaten by former midfield partner García for the goal injury time.

Lucas Hernández - 6

Atlético’s utility defender filled in for Filipe when he came off and fulfilled his defensive duties well under pressure at the end of the game.