Atlético Madrid 1-0 Real Betis: Player ratings and Mattress Maker of the Match poll

Jan Oblak, GK: 6

Did not have a save to make thanks to his defense.

Juanfran, RB: 6.5

Probably the least involved member of Sunday’s back four. Crossed well and got into space, but completed just over 70 percent of his passes and was hooked for Arias right before the goal.

Lucas Hernández, CB: 8

Tremendous. Lucas cut out several promising passages of play from the visitors with his speed and displayed the intelligence to draw fouls (three, more than anyone). The World Cup winner made four tackles, three clearances and two interceptions in all.

Diego Godín, CB: 7

Slowly starting to recover his usual form. The captain won five aerial duels, presented himself as a threat from set pieces — he saw an 86th minute header parried over by Pau López — and committed just one foul (even though he saw yellow for it).

Filipe Luís, LB: 7

It’s noticeable now that Atlético Madrid lose something defensively with Filipe at full back over Lucas, but the Brazilian remains silky smooth in attack. As Atlético raised their game in the second half, Filipe even found space through the middle in his efforts to drive play.

Rodri, CM: 7.5

Another sterling display. Rodri’s pass accuracy stood at a gaudy 94.7 percent and he even had a good chance to score from distance early in the second half. But most importantly, his ability to read and recover swung momentum Atlético’s way after halftime — even though los rojiblancos saw less than 40 percent possession.

Saúl Ñíguez, CM: 5.5

Oddly, Rodri’s ascent seems to be coinciding with Saúl’s descent. The 23-year-old took 37 out of 52 touches in the opposing half, which is a positive sign for a player who has played a water-carrier role much too often. But his passing accuracy stood at only 62 percent against Betis and he was dispossessed more than anybody on the pitch. That said, Saúl can just about always fall back on his defensive strengths and he was very solid in this regard against the verdiblancos.

Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Koke, RM: 7

A better overall performance than against Club Brugge, even if he didn’t cap it with a goal. Drifted with purpose and passed slickly — the canterano fired off as many key passes (four) as Betis’ entire team. As ever, Koke offered himself in defense too.

Thomas Lemar, LM: 5

Quiet afternoon for him. Took just 24 touches and couldn’t get involved as Betis pegged Atleti back in the first half.

Antoine Griezmann, FW: 5.5

Crafted a couple good chances for Kalinić in the moments prior to the Croatian’s departure, but Griezmann predictably struggled without Diego Costa charging around. His passing overall was staggeringly poor (56 percent).

Nikola Kalinić, FW: 6.5

Kalinić came close to opening his Atlético account on the hour with a penalty spot effort that Pau saved smartly. About 10 minutes earlier, he hit the post with an effort from outside the box. He still has a ways to go to get on the same wavelength with Griezmann and company, but his first start in red and white wasn’t half bad.

Ángel Correa, FW: 7.5

Entered for Lemar in the 57th minute. As he does from time to time, Correa changed the game with his pace and ability to operate in tight spaces. The latter contributed to his winning goal, where he completed a one-two with Thomas Partey and kept cool with three defenders lurking before he rolled in a shot off the post and in behind Pau.

Thomas Partey, CM: 7

Entered for Kalinić in the 66th minute. Injected energy and fresher legs into midfield — his pressing helped start the move that led to Correa’s goal.

Santiago Arias, RB: N/A

Entered for Juanfran in the 74th minute. Unable to make a real impact as his integration into the team continues.