UD Almería 1-1 Atlético Madrid: Player Ratings

Starting XI:

Oblak

The 30-year-old was unable to get a hand on El Bilal Touré’s thumping header in the 37th minute and had to make more than one uncomfortable clearance from Almería’s high press. He was otherwise solid between the sticks and ended the match with two saves. 4.5

Reinildo

Very active from the early moments of the match, looking to have the ball played to feet and using his speed to track back to meet Almería’s speedy attackers. Reinildo worked to break lines and connect with Thomas Lemar or Antoine Griezmann but lost influence after Diego Simeone shifted to a 3-5-2 with Nahuel Molina at center-back. 5.5

Hermoso

Forced a save from Fernando Martínez in one of Atlético Madrid’s best first-half opportunities. He did well in the air and anticipating defensive situations — it could be said he hardly put a foot wrong at that end — but Atlético could have used his passing range more. 5

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Witsel

Was caught off-guard by the Almería pressure, and the hosts’ fluid front line exploited the Belgian’s lack of pace. Witsel saw the play develop too late and couldn’t stop Touré from turning in Lucas Robertone’s cross late in the first half. 3.5

Molina

Similar to Witsel, the Argentine was exploited early on with late runs in behind from the likes of Touré and Sergio Akieme. Molina’s crossing and general passing was wayward, and Simeone’s uncertainty over the World Cup winner’s position contributed to a mixed display. 4

Lemar

A tough performance for the Frenchman, who could not find his footing on either end of the pitch. The midfielder attempted to roam into some dangerous positions but his decision-making was poor and his passes were forced. 4.5

Kondogbia

Looked to break the lines with laser passes up the pitch, one of which resulted in Ángel Correa’s goal in the 18th minute. Made some strong tackles but picked up a yellow after a mistimed intervention at the end of the first half. Kondogbia also took a likely set piece goal away from Marcos Llorente by driving the ball into the top of the net from an offside position. Had Kondogbia let the play run, Atlético would have taken a 2-0 lead. 5.5

Koke

The captain started in the middle, but covered lots of ground as can be expected. His offensive movement however was lackluster, he had little influence over Atlético’s attack, and Simeone hooked him at halftime. 4

Llorente

Had a quiet first half, couldn’t burst down the flank as he likes to do. Pablo Barrios’s entry gave Llorente space, and he had a very good second half as a vital part of Atlético’s offensive movement. He put in multiple dangerous crosses after dragging defenders from their positions, but no one could deposit those dangerous deliveries into the net. 6.5

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Griezmann

Had one moment of brilliance, leaving Kondogbia’s pass and letting it roll to Correa to score. Covered every blade of grass for a patched-up Atleti but attempted only 25 passes. 6

Correa

Scored his 50th goal for Atlético in the 18th minute, embarking on a quick run and converting via a slotted finish. Had a chance to score a second moments before being subbed off but an outstretched Martínez said otherwise. 6.5

Subs:

Barrios

Another strong showing from the teenager, who changed the momentum of the match by supplying Llorente and company with passes down the right flank. 6.5

Reguilón

Came on for Reinildo in the 67th minute. Picked up two yellows late on, leaving the team with 10 men to finish the match. 3

Morata

Had multiple opportunities on goal and forced Martínez to make saves, but his efforts were not enough to get the game-winning goal. Morata sent a point-blank header wide and a first-time shot into Martínez’s breadbasket, both from Llorente crosses. 5.5

Felipe

Came on for Correa in the 77th minute. An extra body up front. 5

Saul

Subbed on in stoppage time, picked up a yellow card just after coming on. N/A