Starting XI:

Oblak

Made more than one point-blank save to preserve the team’s clean sheet, one of which came in the first half where the keeper made himself big and denied a streaking Gerard Moreno inside the six-yard box. Was also strong when coming out to grab crosses. – 8

Vrsaljko

Looked to get involved early with crosses and straight passes down the line into space for Llorente. Vrsaljko was patient defensively and tackled judiciously and intelligently. A good performance from the right back, who is expected to cede his spot to the returning Kieran Trippier. –7

Savić

Commanded the backline with clearances and control on the ball. Made a sublime run into the box to land his head on a Thomas Lemar cross, which bounced off Alfonso Pedraza and gave Atlético Madrid the 25^th minute lead. –8

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Felipe

Had a few solid defensive interventions and made eight clearances, but he played with fire and some recklessness at times. A sloppy tackle on Samuel Chukwueze gave Villarreal a free kick just outside the 18-yard box at the end of the first half, and Felipe got himself booked for it. –5

Hermoso

Was tasked with keeping the physical, pacy, and super-active Chukwueze in check and had some serious trouble doing so. The Nigerian got past Hermoso too easily down the left, causing problems throughout for the defense. –4

Llorente

Hustled hard off the ball, especially when dispossessed. Whenever a lane opened up, the Spain international could be seen darting down the flank, ready to create an opportunity. Really benefits from having a serviceable wingback behind him. –6

Koke

Actively searched to switch the point of attack and control the tempo, but he was dispossessed at times and couldn’t stick the landing on multiple passes. The captain made some valuable plays in defense, though, and helped to keep the team organized when Villarreal applied pressure. –5

Saúl

Challenged Sergio Asenjo with a low, hard shot in the first half. He was relatively quiet other than exchanging a few nice one-twos. Was beaten on the flank more than once, though played Chukwueze tighter than others. –5

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Lemar

Played a vital role in subduing Chukwueze, tracking back and offering support for Hermoso. His pinpoint cross in the first half createdthe first goal. Was subbed off at halftime for João Félix and was seen limping afterward, with his leg iced. –8

Correa

Silky smooth on the ball, gliding past defenders with subtle touches and deft movements. His work rate and ball carries inched the team forward in a tight first half. –7

Suárez

Challenged Asenjo once with a rocket of a shot and passed well in tight spaces. Other than that, he didn’t receive the necessary service. Félix’s entry helped open up space for the Uruguayan, but not enough to change his relatively quiet night. He was subbed off in the 76^th minute for Geoffrey Kondogbia and will get some much-needed rest before Real Madrid’s visit next week. –5

Subs:

João Félix

Came on the pitch with a mission to silence recent criticism. His quick movements, efficient distribution, and ultimately his goal certainly helped to relieve some pressure. Judging by the striker’s mean mug after he slotted the ball into the back of the net, his first goal in a month meant a lot to him. –8

Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

Kondogbia

Came on for Suárez to help crowd the midfield and keep the 2-0 lead. His presence was felt as he made two clearances, two interceptions, and a tackle. –5

Torreira

Couldn’t make much of an impact in his limited time on the pitch after he replaced Correa. –N/A