Jan Oblak

Made to look helpless for Yunus Musah’s strike in the first half, though the goal was ruled out in the end. Continues to struggle during build-up due to his limited passing ability, but commanded his area well when Valencia crossed the ball into the box. Distribution needs work — 5.

Jose Gimenéz

A solid display from Giménez, who replaced Stefan Savic alongside Witsel. Nothing spectacular with his passing, but was solid in that area too. No better man for the backs-to-the-wall performance, and he came through against Los Che at the Mestalla on Monday night — 7.

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Axel Witsel

Kept Marcos André quiet, and then did the same with Maxi Goméz. He has become vital to Diego Simeone’s defense when he arrived to add depth. He adds an option to build up from the back and is a capable defender, too. A leader on the field, and he completed every one of his attempted passes — 7.

Reinildo

Dependable as you like. He continues to provide Atlético Madrid with solutions at the back. Saúl was replaced at half-time and Carrasco played further forward, meaning Reinildo’s role expanded, but he was good throughout — 7.

Saúl Ñíguez

Replaced at half-time after a difficult 45 minutes against Theirry Correia and Samu Castillejo. This is exactly what Saúl feared, forced to play left wing-back in a system where he needs to defend more than attack. It’s not his position, and it’s not a surprise that he didn’t do well there — 4.

Marcos Llorente

Another player slightly out of position. He made a couple nice runs into the box, but too much distance to cover from right-back into the attacking third to be a consistent threat. One or two nice balls into the box but detached, in general, from the strikers’ attacking movement — 6.

Geoffrey Kondogbia

A couple rash challenges in the opening half could have seen Kondogbia booked, but he avoided a card. Fighting first for most of the game and had his hands full with Castillejo, Musah, and Carlos Soler running at and around him. Sacrificed on the hour for Lemar — 5.

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Koke

The only one of Atlético’s front five to finish the game. Caught a couple times on the break where he was out of his depth, but when asked to move laterally and vertically in this midfield, he was able to help Atlético’s press remain cohesive in the second half — 6.

Rodrigo de Paul

Never got going in his first start of the season. Played an hour and replaced by Antoine Griezmann. Alongside Koke and Kondogbia, he never built up any connection with either Morata or Llorente on the right side of the field — 5.

Álvaro Morata

Missed a sitter at the end of the first half, but he did work hard as a target man. Caused problems and was pulled down by Thierry Correia as he strode forward — the Valencia defender’s red card was rescinded after a VAR consultation. Finishing needs improving, but that’s not new — 5.

Joao Félix

Looked very lively in attack and created an excellent chance for Morata to make it 1-0 at the end of the first half, but his strike partner saw his effort saved. More workman-like than he would appreciate but he got through that work. Not enough attacking output, but that’s also because of the nature of the game and the pressure Atlético were under — 6.

Substitutes

Yannick Carrasco

Really got to stride forward and show the best side of his game after Atlético went 1-0 up and Valencia committed men forward. Missed a good chance at the end but did well to kill precious time and maintain attacks, relieving pressure with his ball carries — 6.

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Antoine Griezmann

Atlético super-sub Griezmann scored within minutes of coming on for Rodrigo de Paul. It was a deflected shot off Soler’s back, but it won all three points for Atlético. Played in a functional role on the right of Atlético’s midfield three, then missed a golden chance to wrap the game up at the end — 6.

Thomas Lemar

Jumped a pass and drove forward within his first few minutes on the field. Pass to Griezmann was for the winner. He worked hard defensively and won back a couple balls when Atlético needed them. Initiated the most important moment of the game — 7.

Matheus Cunha

Came on with 10 minutes remaining and had the ball in the back of the net from a header, but it was ruled out for offside. Had another good chance that rattled the crossbar but he was offside for that, too.

Ángel Correa

Not on the field long enough, and not enough of a contribution for a rating.