Cádiz CF 3-2 Atlético de Madrid: Player Ratings

Oblak

Let down by his defense on the Cádiz opener, which Théo Bongonda scored after only 27 seconds. Tough to blame him for the second goal, either, and Rubén Sobrino had a free chance to win the game in the 99th minute — scoring the winner with his thigh from very close range. 4

Molina

Not engaged from the opening whistle, as evidenced by his complete disappearance from the action on Cádiz’s first-minute goal. Crossing continues to be a work in progress, to put it nicely. Below-par defensive performance, too, as evidenced by Sobrino’s excellent work down his flank in the buildup to the second goal. —

Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Savić

Misread Momo Mbaye’s ball over the top for Pacha Espino inside the first 30 seconds, who gleefully accepted the break and flung in the assist for Bongonda to open the scoring. Giveaway before halftime set up Brian Ocampo for a chance to extend the advantage, but Jan Oblak slid to make the save. Probably left worse for wear after a collision with Fede San Emeterio at the start of the second half, he then failed to cut out the cross that Sobrino turned in on 99 minutes to win the game. Worst performance in a long time. —

Witsel

Caught flat-footed on Espino’s cross to Bongonda and could only watch as the 26-year-old opened the scoring with a clean right-footed strike. Reading of the game and positional sense (especially at center-back) remain strong, but the 34-year-old simply does not have the pace to hold up against counterattacking opponents. 4.5

Reinildo

Tried to get over and block Bongonda’s goal-bound effort, but the structural damage had already been done. At fault for Álex Fernández’s 81st-minute goal, going for a dramatic clearance and instead removing himself from the play. Álex then struck the ball off the post and in. 2

Carrasco

Practically invisible in the first half, the switch back to the 3-5-2 formation keeping him too far away from the penalty area. He went down under a Bongonda challenge just inside the 18-yard box just before his substitution, but referee Sánchez Martínez waved play on. 3

De Paul

Made the start following a sensational display in the second half of Wednesday’s draw with Bayer Leverkusen. Demonstrated personality and composure in the first half Saturday as the sole midfielder who could progress the ball reliably. Much less protagonismo after halftime. 5.5

Kondogbia

Important penalty area challenge in the 20th minute stopped Ocampo from potentially doubling the hosts’ lead. Shown a yellow card for a challenge in which he won the ball. Nondescript beyond that. 5

Saúl

Saúl physically remains in good shape and has quietly excelled defensively this season — he claimed two aerial duels and made four combined clearances and interceptions on Saturday. But his attacking third actions are so wooden and unconvincing that it’s almost like he doesn’t want the ball at his feet. 4.5

Correa

All his twisting and turning and twitchy movement led to one shot attempt in the first half. Nearly put in a pinball goal in the 57th minute, but Conan Ledesma made a great save. 4

Morata

Lasted less than 10 minutes after a penalty area collision left him hobbled. No spot kick was awarded on the play. N/A

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Cunha

Entered for Morata in the 10th minute. Took 13 touches in the first half and lost the ball five times. First touch is leaden, decision-making is poor, and he offers no threat in the penalty area. If he has a good World Cup with Brazil next month, Atlético Madrid should consider cashing in. 3

João Félix

Entered for Correa in the 60th minute. Finally received more than a cameo and Atlético’s ball progression into the penalty area steadily improved. The Portuguese’s half-chilena from a corner forced Luís Hernández to deflect the ball into the net on 85 minutes, and his arrowed outside-the-box shot leveled the scores four minutes later. He could have won the game in the 96th minute, but his free header from an Axel Witsel cross buzzed wide of the near post. 7

Griezmann

Entered for Carrasco in the 60th minute. Dropped into midfield with Simeone deciding to abandon the 3-5-2. Quiet game until his quick pass set up João Félix to equalize in the 89th minute. 5.5

Pablo Barrios

Replaced Kondogbia in the 72nd minute. The 19-year-old midfielder offered a glimpse into his playmaking ability on his LaLiga debut. Barrios took 30 touches and completed 88 percent of his passes, showing clean ball control and a sharp passing range. He had a chance to win the match early in stoppage time, but Ledesdma saved his shot from the edge of the area. 6.5