Player Ratings: Elche CF 0-1 Atlético Madrid

Starting XI

Jan Oblak

Was not called into action during a first half where his team rang up better than 60 percent possession. Was under much more pressure in the second half and fortunate to see Fidel’s late, late penalty smack the post and roll away. The Slovenian was off his line, but as he did not get a touch to the ball, there was no need to retake it. 7

Stefan Savić

Made one thunderous headed clearance from an Elche set piece in the first half, won seven aerial duels overall. His growth as a passer has been evident all season, and he continues to lead Atlético Madrid’s defense. 8.5

José Giménez

Lucas Boyé didn’t challenge him too much early on. Played a steady game and handled the second half pressure well before leaving with a muscular ailment. 6.5

Mario Hermoso

Back in the 11 for the injured Renan Lodi and combined well with Carrasco on the left-hand side. He really is a gifted passer, most noticeably when playing in a three, and he stood up well in individual duels. 7

Kieran Trippier

Very sound defensively in the opening 45 minutes, coming up with multiple tackles and interceptions. Ended up with six tackles, though his connection with Llorente wasn’t as sharp as usual. He gave away the free kick which led to Elche’s spot kick — though he neither committed a foul nor knocked down a pass with his arm. 6

Photo by Aitor Alcalde Colomer/Getty Images

Marcos Llorente

Grabbed his 12th league goal with a stinging effort that deflected off defender Josema’s elbow in the 23rd minute. Incredibly dangerous when arriving late from outside the area — the Elche defenders lost track of him. Nearly became a villain when he gave away a penalty for a clear handball, but the woodwork spared his blushes. 8

Geoffrey Kondogbia

Made his first start in over two months and toed the line between effective and reckless. He had a brilliant first half, and used his strength to draw fouls and snuff out everything in the center of the park. The ex-Valencia pivot was fortunate to get away with a bear hug on Pere Milla from a corner in the second half, but finished strong with a team-high 10 recoveries. 7

Thomas Lemar

Fantastic up and until the goal. Lemar’s impact waned after that and he had barely had a touch upon his exit just before the hour. One of LaLiga’s best dribblers this season, he completed three more on Saturday. 7

Yannick Carrasco

Delivered the assist for Llorente after a clever feint that created space for him to slalom into the penalty area — one of his four key passes on the afternoon. Has found form at a perfect time. 8

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Ángel Correa

Couldn’t really get involved. He had a shot blocked in first half stoppage time that was initially ruled a handball and a penalty, but VAR overturned it. 4.5

Luis Suárez

Had the ball in the net twice, but caught offside both times. Missed a huge chance with the game scoreless when he turned to let a Hermoso pass slide past him, ran onto it after Correa took a touch, and lashed the shot wide. 4.5

Substitutes

João Félix

Entered for Lemar in the 57th minute. Troubling performance, didn’t seem engaged at all with the team dropping deep to defend as the second half moved along. —

Koke

Entered for Correa in the 64th minute. Doesn’t look fit, but gave it his all. The captain’s progression at training this week will be crucial, as we’ll see whether he’s well enough to face Barcelona at Camp Nou. 5

Felipe

Entered for Giménez in the 82nd minute. Only two touches as an injury replacement. N/A

Saúl

Replaced Suárez in the 82nd minute. Couldn’t make an impact with the rojiblancos burrowing like ticks to protect a 1-0 lead. N/A