Starting XI:

Jan Oblak, GK: 8

Early in the first half, Oblak was called on to keep the score line level. He stopped Toko Ekambi in the 11th minute with his feet and later punched the ball clear when it was crossed into the box. Not only that, he distributed the ball well under pressure.

Santiago Arias, RB: 7.5

Arias spent most of the match aiding in the attack. His crosses caused trouble for Villarreal and probably could have been finished if connected on. He finished the match with two key passes and four interceptions.

Stefan Savić, CB: 7

Standing in for Diego Godín, Savić was not extremely active during the match, but got the job done when he was called on. Did well to clear the ball when it was in Atlético Madrid’s final third.

José Giménez, CB: 7.5

Joséma didn’t score like he did earlier in the week, but his intensity was still prominent. He cleared the ball when needed, blocked a few shots and distributed the ball well. He was caught out of position on the Ekambi shot, but luckily Oblak came up big with the save.

Filipe Luís, LB: 8

Pushed forward and took his chances wisely. He won most of his one-on-one duels and was able to thread the needle a few times into the final third. His efforts led to him getting an assist on Morata’s goal.

Koke, RM: 7

The captain, playing right mid, passed the ball with conviction (89 percnt). He helped the buildup play, helped the midfield keep cohesion and he came up with two key passes as well.

Rodri, CM: 7

Rodri’s passing prowess has been on display throughout the season. Today was another day at the office, with 95 percent passing completion on 64 passes. His simple yet effective passing helped to slow the game and control the tempo.

Saúl, CM: 8

Had a substantial impact. Defensively, Saúl tracked back consistently and made four clearances. On the offensive end, Saúl was taking shots from the very beginning. He was able to put the match to rest by lobbing the ball past Sergio Asenjo in the 88th minute. Completed 87 percent of his passes, too.

Lemar, LM: 6.5

Although he only played just over two-thirds of the match, Lemar caused a lot of trouble for Villarreal’s defense. He dribbled past multiple players through tight space and was either fouled or was able to send in a cross.

Griezmann, ST: 8

Looking into Griezmann’s game today brings to light his various strengths. Griezmann didn’t get on the scoresheet, but his movement and interplay within the team helped them dominate periods of the match. He completed most of his crosses and long balls and made sure to try and get everyone involved.

Álvaro Morata, ST: 7.5

Patience is a virtue, and Morata’s wait came to an end against the Yellow Submarine at A Stadium Called Wanda. He was denied early in the match by Asenjo off a volley but stayed locked in and finished his chance in the 31st minute off a Filipe Luís cross.

Subs:

Diego Costa, ST: 7

Diego came on for Morata in the 58th minute and picked up where he left off. Costa played a perfectly weighted ball to Saúl in the 88th minute to finish off the match and generally looked spirited.

Thomas Partey, CM: 6

Partey came on for Lemar in the 63rd minute for defensive help.

Vitolo, LM: N/A

Vitolo entered for Koke in the final minutes.