Barcelona 1-0 Atlético Madrid: Player Ratings

Jan Oblak, GK: 6

Could have done better on Lionel Messi’s free kick goal, but his left hand wasn’t enough to keep it out. Made a very good reaction save late on as the ball fell to an unmarked Sergio Busquets from a corner.

Šime Vrsaljko, RB: 5

Has seen his influence dip in recent weeks, and Sunday’s match was no different. Atlético Madrid really need their right back to act as Filipe Luís’ foil in the event the opposition zeroes in on him, and Vrsaljko simply isn’t providing adequate playmaking from his flank.

José Giménez, CB: 9 (Mattress Maker of the Match)

Massive, controlling, dominant performance. Giménez’s strength, speed and reading of the game were unparalleled in Atlético’s defense on Sunday, and countryman Luis Suárez felt the effects. Giménez rang up huge clearances, interceptions and blocks in Atleti’s biggest game of the season — and barring injury, he shouldn’t be dropped again from this XI.

Diego Godín, CB: 6.5

Unremarkable from the pharaoh. Battled but was overshadowed by his younger compatriot.

Filipe Luís, LB: 5.5

Sergi Roberto put the clamps on Filipe and, he was at times forced to move more centrally in order to make things happen. Did not quite agree with his substitution, as he remains Atlético’s most consistent playmaker, but he hardly bossed the match at Camp Nou.

Saúl Ñíguez, RM: 6

Very active from an advanced position in the second half, but lacked that decisive pass or decisive shot we tend to see from him in huge games.

Thomas Partey, CM: 6.75

Committed an exceedingly dumb foul to set up Leo Messi’s goal but acquitted himself well afterward, passing with precision and performing capably as Simeone’s “emergency” right back.

Gabi, CM: 5

The captain really showed his age in his 400th Atlético appearance on Sunday, as he was a step behind the play and sloppy in the tackle. Starting either Gabi or Thomas would have sufficed, but the presence of both canteranos made Atleti rigid, inflexible and inert. But then, you’ve probably heard that before.

Koke, LM: 3.5

Not up to snuff. Even when moved to his preferred central role in the second half, he failed to link the midfield to an isolated Costiezmann and did not register a single key pass over 90 minutes. After showing promising signs of a return to top form over the past week, Koke will be starting again from square one when Atlético take on Lokomotiv Moscow midweek.

Antoine Griezmann, FW: 5

From seven goals in three days to...this. Griezmann was lonely playing off Costa’s shoulder and couldn’t inspire an equalizer once Gameiro’s entrance afforded him the chance to drop deeper into midfield. He attempted only one shot and his hard work defensively went unrewarded.

Diego Costa, FW: 6

Costa was flagged for offside more often (four times) than he went for goal (twice). He proved troublesome at times for Samuel Umtiti, but the Frenchman still dealt capably with him and his attitude.

Substitutes

Ángel Correa, RM: 7

Entered for Vrsaljko in the 59th minute. Instantly provided spring to Atlético’s step, as can be expected. The Argentine’s relentless running at defenders offered something different and opened up spaces that weren’t there previously — unfortunately for Simeone though, Correa’s teammates could not take advantage.

Kévin Gameiro, FW: 5

Entered for Gabi in the 65th minute. Another positive change from El Cholo, and one that would have paid off had Costa stayed onside when Gameiro put the ball in the net with five minutes remaining.

Lucas Hernández, LB: 5

Entered for Filipe in the 75th minute. A strange substitution, perhaps made with an eye on the Europa League. Would have preferred to see Vitolo here.