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Starting XI:
Oblak
Wasn’t challenged in goal. Athletic’s best chance came on a 50th-minute Iñaki Williams breakaway, on which the captain came out of the net and made himself big. The shot rolled harmlessly wide. –6
Trippier
Connected consistently with Marcos Llorente in the midfield. The passing between the two created chances down the line for crosses into the box. The defender always seemed to be ready for a quick switch of play to move the ball up field. –7
Savić
Made some important tackles, didn’t shy away from an aerial battle. With the ball at his feet, he looked for the simple ball to maintain possession — his 92 percent passing accuracy was the highest among all starters. –6
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Giménez
Continued his run of good form with another stellar performance. Giménez was ever-present to make a diving tackle, a header, or a clearance. His sole mistake occurred when Iñaki Williams danced around him to create a 1v1 with Oblak. –8
Hermoso
Ended the match with four tackles and two interceptions. There were points when the defender was under pressure from a quick Athletic press, but he kept his cool and passed well, completing 61 of his 67 passes. —7
Lodi
Roamed the flank as much as he could in his time on the pitch. There were certainly crosses that missed the mark by more than a few yards, but the Brazilian landed two key passes on the day. –6
Llorente
Found success with Trippier by his side. His movement off the ball allowed him to find open space up the line and cross the ball into the box. Was close to scoring in the second half when his low shot bounced off the post in the 75th minute. –7
Kondogbia
Despite his yellow, the midfielder had a strong 55-minute outing. He outmuscled opposing defenders, allowing him to keep the ball and win it when lost. –6
De Paul
The Argentine stayed level-headed when under early pressure from Athletic and ended up being Atlético Madrid’s attacking lifeblood in the midfield. His long passes were accurate and very much needed when the ball stagnated. The Argentine’s agility and dribbling also caused problems for the opposition — he completed three dribbles and was fouled four times. —8
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Griezmann
Besides two half-chances in the opening minutes, the Frenchman was quiet up front. Suárez replaced him in the 55th minute. —4
Correa
Seemed to have everything right except the final product. His work rate off the ball resulted in interceptions, and his quick turns on the ball allowed him to dribble into openings, but an organized visiting defense stunted his creativity. –5
Subs:
Suárez
Came on for Griezmann up top and didn’t do much better, with one shot and one key pass —5
Herrera
Active and effective in the midfield with his limited time. The Mexican international had two key passes and hustled hard defensively. —6
Carrasco
Came on ready to run at defenders and did exactly that. Was active, composed, and dangerous with the ball at his feet. –6
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João Félix
Received two yellows in the 78th minute, one for getting tangled up with Unai Vencedor and another for arguing. He allegedly called the ref “crazy” and was sent packing less than 15 minutes from time. –3
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