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Starting XI:
Oblak
Was put in positions of pressure early on in the match from Alavés and did well to take command of the ball when necessary. The keeper was quick off his line in the 33rd minute, diving for the ball at the edge of the box, preventing a possible Alavés chance. He conceded from an open Gonzalo Escalante header in the 63rd minute that tied the game temporarily. —5.5
Lodi
Aggressive from the opening whistle, pressing with energy and enthusiasm from the left wing. He knocked on the door early by making a run-and-cross to set up a Thomas Lemar goal, but it was called back for offside. He was subbed off for De Paul at halftime. —6.5
Reinildo
Made a sloppy giveaway in the first half that allowed for Alavés to counter. In the second, the former Lille man stayed more compact and had some key interventions to halt Alavés’ movement up the left flank. —5.5
Giménez
Uncharacteristically misplaced more than one ball in the first half to give away possession. Intercepted three passes before being subbed out for Felipe in the 86th minute. —4.5
Savić
Had a calm presence in the back, in both his defending and passing. Took no unnecessary gambles, clearing the ball four times. —5
Vrsaljko
Made his impact early with a well-placed cross to an open João Félix, giving the team an 11th-minute lead. Picked up a knock to the head in the first half but played through and came up with some much-needed clearances. He won eight aerial duels in a really solid display. —7
Lemar
Coming back from an injury, Lemar took players on, drew fouls and opened up pathways for his teammates out wide. His distribution was simple but effective, and he had a role in João Félix’s headed opener. The Frenchman was subbed out for Rodrigo De Paul at the half. —6
Kondogbia
A strong performance in the midfield, highlighted by his physicality and accurate long balls over the top. His defensive positioning allowed him to drop back, receive and pass. —7.5
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Llorente
Looked freer to move in his preferred midfield position, taking full advantage by floating into pockets of space to get the ball and supply the likes of Šime Vrsaljko out wide. He also deserves plaudits for his pressing intensity. —6.5
Griezmann
Had a quiet game up top. Was offside on his chance on net just before he was subbed off for Luis Suárez in the second half. —4
João Félix
Connected early again with a goal in the 11th minute. The Portuguese international drifted away from Víctor Laguardia to find himself wide open for a header, which he thumped into the back of the net. João continued to work hard throughout the match with some silky dribbling, and he struck again in the 82nd minute — slotting the ball past Fernando Pacheco to convert the rebound from Matheus Cunha’s sliding shot. —8
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Subs:
De Paul
Couldn't find his footing after being subbed on for Lodi at the half. Failed to track Escalante in the box, leaving him wide-open for his goal. His passing was too sluggish as well. —3.5
Carrasco
Came on for Lemar to play the second half. Looked to take players on near the endline, with relatively-little success. Forced a save from Pacheco late on in the match. —5
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Suárez
The Uruguayan’s 75th-minute penalty restored Atlético Madrid’s lead. Suárez stepped up to the spot and sent Pacheco the wrong way for his 10th tally this season. In extra time he struck again with a run into the area and a deft finish at the far post. —8
Cunha
Replaced Llorente to add some more juice to the squad and ended up winning the penalty that Suárez buried before he set up Suárez for his second goal in the 90th minute. —7.5
Felipe
Didn’t have much of an impact in such limited time, coming on for Giménez with four minutes to go in the game. —N/A
Poll
Mattress Maker of the Match vs Alavés
This poll is closed
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8%
Cunha
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83%
Félix
-
7%
Suárez
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1%
Other
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