RCD Espanyol 1-2 Atlético Madrid: Player Ratings

Starting XI:

Oblak

Atlético Madrid were lackluster coming out of the gates and Espanyol turned up the tempo early on to take advantage. The Slovene was forced to make more than one diving save — including a big one off Adrián Embarba in the fourth minute — and continued to stay prepared for what was thrown at him as the match went on. The team only conceded once thanks to his efforts. –8

Trippier

Only played the first half and found it hard to make plays once past Espanyol’s initial line. When he was able to push up the right side, he failed to whip crosses in the box like he usually does, opting for a sideways or backward pass instead. –5

Savić

Looked sloppy at the back early on. His glaring communication error came when he miscommunicated with Oblak on a back pass required the keeper to make a stupendous save — the ball was intercepted and lead to an uncontested shot. The Montenegrin looked rattled after the error, making some poor passes and committing more than one needless foul. –3

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Felipe

His defensive efforts helped Atlético weathering Espanyol’s first half counterattacks. He made a crucial goal line clearance in the first half and served as the calm during the storm. –6

Hermoso

Only played the first half. He kept his passing simple but received a yellow card for a mistimed tackle on Aleix Vidal. –4

Carrasco

Had trouble in the opening minutes of the game but shined after the halftime formation change. His movement up top in the second half saw the left channel open up, and both Atlético goals came from his side.

In the 79th minute, Carrasco maintained his composure to hold the ball with his back to the goal, drawing multiple defenders and maneuvering his way for a shot, which landed in the back of the net. In the dying moments of the match, the Belgian’s backheel pass to Lemar turned into the game-winning goal. –8

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Llorente

The 26-year-old’s engine revved for the entire match, on both sides of the ball. In both the midfield (first half) and at right back (second half), his offensive and defensive efforts won the ball back and created promising opportunities. However, he did lose Raúl De Tomás on a set piece as the forward headed in the 40th-minute opening goal. –7

Koke

Facilitated the game with his passing as per usual. His ability to switch the play proved vital to move the attack forward against a team like Espanyol, which played a high and compact defensive line when out of possession. –6

Correa

Was slotted in a deeper attacking midfield role instead of his usual position up top. Espanyol’s defenders found it hard to deal with his on-ball turns, but the Argentine couldn’t make an impact in the final third. Renan Lodi replaced him at halftime. –5

Suárez

Aside from an audacious volley, the striker couldn’t find any clear chances to score. His touches on the ball were minimal. He was subbed off for Matheus Cunha in the 71st minute. –4

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Griezmann

Similar to his attacking partner, Griezmann didn’t have many chances to score, though he did finish with three key passes. He connected play well when dropping into midfield but could never get off to the races up the middle. João Félix replaced him in the 58th minute. –4

Subs:

Lodi

Was off the mark with his crossing after coming on halftime, but he continued to push on. His runs up the left side caused problems, and he kept the ball in for Carrasco before he scored the tying goal. –7

Lemar

Changed the level of play as soon as he came on. Even after a disallowed goal, the French international searched on and was rewarded in the 99th minute, scoring the game-winning goal with his “weaker” right foot. —8

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Kondogbia

Played an attacking role, even pushing up in the final third to keep the pressure on the hosts as Atlético chased the game. His insistence helped Atleti — playing in a 4-4-2 after halftime — bombard the Espanyol defense. —7

Félix

Showed defensive intensity and attacking liveliness in his first cameo following his return from offseason ankle surgery. –5

Matheus Cunha

Didn’t have much of an impact in his limited time on the pitch. –5