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Starting XI:
Jan Oblak
The Slovenian was commanding on Levante’s set piece attempts, with powerful punches to relieve danger. He conceded twice, first from a double deflection and then in the dying moments of the match, when Jorge de Frutos took advantage of an empty net. —6
Felipe
Kept on his toes throughout the match, made four interceptions and two blocked shots. With the ball at his feet, Felipe moved the ball well, finding pockets of space to pass into. —6
Giménez
Came off with an injury early in the second half, but had taken charge of the defense up to that point. Pushed forward with the ball and wasn’t afraid to shoot early on. On set pieces, the defender made his presence known, winning headers and challenging Dani Cárdenas. –6
Hermoso
Was unlucky with the deflection that resulted in Levante taking a 1-0 lead, but kept his head on straight throughout the game. There were multiple instances where Hermoso made key interceptions and tackles to relieve pressure and regain possession. –7
Llorente
Worked hard on both sides of the ball, sending in low, hard crosses and tracking back on defense. His pressure on José Luis Morales on a counterattack during the opening minutes was just enough to put the attacker off and force wide his 1v1 shot. His runs looked promising, but unfortunately couldn’t score to pull Atlético Madrid back into the match like he did on Wednesday. —7
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Koke
Controlled play through demanding the ball and switching the point of attack. There were moments when the captain was off with his passing, and the game’s direction frustrated by him. He received a yellow for arguing with the referee. —5
Kondogbia
Used his physicality to push opponents off the ball in the center of the park, but was too passive on a tackle/attempted clearance on the edge of the box, which led to the opening goal. Lucas Torreria replaced him in the 61st minute. –5
Lodi
The defender was dynamic coming forward with the ball from the left flank. He took on defenders and won multiple free kicks for the team. Could have done better with his crosses from set pieces and open play. –6
João Félix
Had his flashy moments in the first half, but really came into the match in the second. Took on players and went for goal when the opportunities presented themselves. Missed a big chance early on into the second half when he whiffed what seemed like an easy shot from Luis Suárez’s delivery. –7
Correa
Played just over 60 minutes and was very quiet. Lost possession too easily, couldn’t turn and attack the defensive line as is his usual aim. –4
Suárez
Similar to Félix, he had his best moments in the second half. Asked questions of Levante’s defense and even acted as a facilitator, sending numerous crosses into the box. The Uruguayan almost scored another free kick curler, but the post denied him. –8
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Subs:
Lemar
Added some much-needed direction in the attack after he replaced Giménez. Fearlessly took on defenders on and was always looking for an opportunity to let one fly. Cárdenas stopped him brilliantly in second half injury time. –8
Torreira
Moved well without the ball and switched the play alongside Koke. The midfielder made good on-ball decisions to win some promising free kicks for the team. —6
Ricard Sánchez
The 20-year-old played just under a half an hour in Correa’s stead. He sent some promising passes and hounded Levante’s wingers in a less-than-ideal time to make a debut. –6
Dembélé
Made his own debut for the team, replacing Koke. The Frenchman looked eager to make an impact, but couldn’t get much going in his 15-plus minutes on the pitch. –5