Atlético de Madrid 2-1 Deportivo Alavés: Player Ratings

Oblak

Atlético Madrid’s superiority in possession gave Oblak little to do throughout most of the match. The Slovenia star picked up a late yellow card after arguing with referee Muñiz Ruiz and conceded a late consolation goal from Ander Guevara in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time — he might have done better with the long-range opportunity, the only shot on target Alavés had all night. 4

Riquelme

A threat from the opening kick, floating out wide and daring to take on players before releasing his crosses. In the 26th minute, the wing-back made a darting run into the top of the 18-yard box as the play built up from the right side. After Álvaro Morata hung a ball in the air, Riquelme chested it down and beat Andoni Gorosabel with a quick shift in momentum. In a moment of individual quality, Riquelme created space and poked the ball past Antonio Sivera to open the scoring. 7

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Hermoso

Skipped passes and found teammates high up the pitch. Had a thumping header go wide from a corner in the first half. Received a yellow for arguing with the referee. 4.5

Witsel

Was isolated against Samu on more than one occasion, but was able to subdue the big teenager with well-timed involvements. The Belgian’s efforts wiped out the opposition’s main attacker, and his crisp passing from the back continues to aid Atlético’s buildup. 5.5

Savić

Made multiple crunching tackles and effective clearances. Cleaned up well in behind Nahuel Molina, good in the air too. 5.5

Molina

As the attack pushed through the middle of the pitch and space cleared out wide, Molina could be seen sliding into open areas, giving the team an option to switch the point of attack. 6

Saúl

Active in the opening minutes, connecting frequently with Riquelme to move the attack forward. Continued to help the buildup in the midfield with his passing, as well as the occasional dart into the penalty area, but he wasn’t noteworthy in the final third. 5

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Koke

Like clockwork. The veteran midfielder dictated the pace of the match, taking a game-high 149 touches and completing 93 percent of his passes. In first-half stoppage time, Koke pinged a pass over the top to a running Morata, setting up the eventual winning goal. 6.5

De Paul

Critical in progressing the ball into advanced positions, especially on the game’s opening goal. Showed off an array of passes and continues to stake his claim as an essential midfielder for Diego Simeone. 5.5

Griezmann

Directed the play in the final third with slotted balls into the box and one-two passes out wide. Although the striker didn’t get on the scoresheet himself, Griezmann’s work created chances early in the match. He had a goal wiped off the board after Muñiz Ruiz penalized Marcos Llorente for a shove on Alavés captain Rubén Duarte — although Duarte was hanging onto Llorente for dear life before he sent in a low cross for Griezmann at the back post. 5.5

Morata

Doubled the lead just before halftime. After receiving the ball, Morata cut inside to beat Aleksandar Sedlar and curled his left-footed shot into the top corner. He now has six goals in 655 minutes in LaLiga this season. 7

Subs

Llorente

Received a yellow after his incident with Duarte. Another effective substitute appearance despite that — like a horse bursting out of the stable, Llorente made dangerous, explosive runs down the right-hand side. 5

Correa

Had limited touches on the ball after replacing Morata. Worked to find space in a crowded Alavés box. 5

Barrios

Crafted one key pass from an interior playmaking role. Still looks to be getting up to speed following his hamstring injury. 5

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Azpilicueta

Came on in the 81st minute to bolster the defense. His presence was not enough to keep the clean sheet — although Guevara’s shot was a real rasper. 5

Giménez

Replaced Mario Hermoso with 10 minutes to go in the game. Returned to action after a layoff of nearly a month. 5