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Player Ratings: Atlético Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad

Atlético go top thanks to an easy win.

Club Atletico de Madrid v Real Sociedad - La Liga Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

Jan Oblak, GK: 6

Will thank his defense after this one — the Slovene did not have a save to make after Borussia Dortmund pelted him for four goals on Wednesday.

Santiago Arias, RB: 8.5

Unquestionably the best performance from an Atlético Madrid right back this season. Arias was a whirlwind of activity — he took a game-high 106 touches, hit on 87 percent of his passes and feasted on the space given to him. The Colombian routinely found himself in great crossing positions and teased dangerous balls into the box throughout the match. But most importantly for Diego Simeone, Arias was sturdy in defense with a couple aerial duels won and three interceptions.

Stefan Savić, CB: 7

Lucky to stay on the pitch after his high boot through Luca Sangalli in the second half was punished only by a yellow card. Otherwise, a pretty good return to action for Savić, who had not played since Sept. 1. His long ball delivery was particularly noteworthy.

Diego Godín, CB: 8.5

Scored his first goal this season with a right-footed finish on the stroke of halftime — the first goal he’s scored with a body part other than his head since 2012. The captain has quietly regained form in recent weeks and had Willian José under lock and key, too.

Lucas Hernández, LB: 6

Had to come off at halftime with a muscular problem. Quite involved in the attack during his 45 minutes and did not have to rush back frantically to cover for missing teammates this time.

Ángel Correa, RM: 7.5

Electric first half, capped off by a sublime bit of control and pass into the area for Godín. The ball seemed to find him wherever he was and he worked hard in defense (three tackles, two interceptions). The Argentine took quite a few poor touches and did tail off a bit in the second half as Atlético sealed the three points.

Rodri, CM: 7.25

Played all 90 minutes and his team boasted the stronger midfield while keeping a clean sheet. None of this is a coincidence. Rodri completed 92 percent of his passes, won four of five tackles and kept the ball moving out of defense, which allowed Koke and Saúl to influence the attack higher up the pitch.

Koke, CM: 7.25

More assured and impactful in the middle (I feel like I’ve said this before). His long ball distribution (12-for-14) helped to set the tone and act as a conductor while Rodri cleaned up behind him.

Saúl Ñíguez, LM: 7.5

In a more advanced position and accordingly went to work. Saúl assisted Filipe’s stunner and was an aerial force with six duels won.

Antoine Griezmann, FW: 6.5

Still not back to his best but getting closer. Griezmann made three key passes across 76 touches but could not guide any of three shots on target.

Diego Costa, FW: 7

Best he’s looked in weeks. Seemed to recover his speed and fighting spirit — both of which had gone missing. Unlucky not to score when Miguel Ángel Moyá turned aside a sharp right-footed effort moments after Filipe doubled the lead.

Filipe Luís, LB: 8

Entered for Lucas at halftime. Scored a sensational goal by cutting inside onto his weaker right foot — he produced a shot which left Moyá no chance. He’s now got goals in back-to-back weeks and four against Real Sociedad since he first joined Atleti.

Thomas Lemar, RM: N/A

Entered for Correa in the 82nd minute. Strange substitute, didn’t have much time to make an impact (nor was one required).

Poll

Mattress Maker of the Match

This poll is closed

  • 47%
    Diego Godín
    (86 votes)
  • 25%
    Ángel Correa
    (46 votes)
  • 17%
    Filipe Luís
    (32 votes)
  • 8%
    Saúl
    (16 votes)
180 votes total Vote Now