Atlético Madrid player ratings vs. Rayo Vallecano

Ivo Grbić

Made a couple saves in the first half, but they were straight at him. Looked solid until Rayo started turning up the heat. He lost a cross at the back post that Ale Catena kept in but it flew up into the air harmlessly. Made a good save from Radamel Falcao after he got in behind Giménez. No hope for El Tigre’s 92nd-minute penalty — 7.

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Reinildo

Another good display. Not the most adventurous dribbler or passer, but he gets on the ball a lot. Isi is a handful and with Iván Balliu overlapping, Rayo can be dangerous. They gave Reinildo plenty to think about but he did a good enough job — 7.

Stefan Savić

Committed a couple fouls in the first half and was booked for a late and clumsy challenge on Falcao early in the second. Won the ball back more times than any other Atlético Madrid player — 7.

José Giménez

Got turned easily and was slow on a couple Rayo opportunities. Caught a step behind as Randy Nteka headed down into his hand and he conceded a penalty late on. Not his greatest game for Atlético — 5.

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Nahuel Molina

Settling in to his role on the right and improving by the game. Seems to enjoy playing right-back more with De Paul ahead of him than at right wing-back, the position he was signed to play in. Still looks shaky going backward at times though — 7.

Geoffrey Kondogbia

Another solid defensive display in the middle. He has regained his starting spot under Diego Simeone. Sloppy in possession though, and it didn’t hurt Atlético tonight but it always has to be considered — 6.

Axel Witsel

Returned to the starting 11 as Koke went out injured. Ángel Correa replaced him after an hour. First difficult moment for the player at the club. Didn’t look entirely comfortable in his role, with Kondogbia acting as the anchor. He can fill in at various positions though and do fine in all of them — 6.

Thomas Lemar

He was playing well until having to be removed in the first half (on 39 minutes) with a suspected muscle injury.

Rodrigo de Paul

Very good first half from De Paul, who seems to be enjoying the return to four at the back. He looked calm and assured instead of erratic, like he has in recent months. He gave the ball away in one instance but Rayo’s Santi Comesaña couldn’t capitalise. Switched back into the more nervous, combative midfielder when Rayo started attacking more. Replaced by Saúl after 75 minutes — 7.

Antoine Griezmann

Great cross to tee up Morata for the opener. Continuing his good form and is the leader in attack. Anything is possible when Griezmann is in this form. He created all five of Atlético’s chances in the first half. The Frenchman also had an offside goal ruled out, which he took very well — 9.

Álvaro Morata

Lovely finish from Griezmann’s recovery and cross in the 20th minute. That’s his fifth of the season. A mixed bag from Morata in the end, as he was subbed off after an hour. Some good movement and link-up play and he got the goal, but a frustrating night too and he complained about the refereeing after — 8.

Substitutions

Yannick Carrasco

Came on for Lemar after 39 minutes. A mediocre performance, although he might have had an assist when he played Cunha through on goal late but the Brazilian saw his effort saved. Found some more space on the counter as Rayo pushed for a goal, but Carrasco is still not firing this season — 5.

Matheus Cunha

Took two shots when he came on after an hour. He might have done better by passing them. Coughed up the ball that led to a good Fran García chance too. Teed up Griezmann for the second, but he was just offside— 6.

Ángel Correa

Getting accustomed to coming on and playing a more functional role. Some good movement and did well defensively, but would prefer to be spending more time in the penalty area — 6.

Saúl Ñíguez

Overhit a pass to Correa after a nice team move. It would have put the Argentine through on goal. Not on long enough to make an impression on the game.