Atlético de Madrid 2-1 UD Almería: Player Ratings

Starting XI

Oblak

Took only two touches in the opening half hour as Atlético Madrid dominated proceedings. Helplessly watched Léo Baptistão’s 37th-minute equalizer float in just before halftime as his defense let him down. 5

Molina

Quiet but responsible first half and came to life in the second 45, combining multiple times around the penalty area with Antoine Griezmann and Marcos Llorente. Improving weekly. 7

Giménez

Calamitous. Missed the injured Stefan Savić. Ineffective on Atlético’s numerous attacking set piece opportunities then put the ball in his own net on the other end. Giménez had tracked back when Ángel Correa attempted a return pass, went to ground to try to block Léo Baptistão’s shot, then deflected the ball as it lofted over the goal line. Later lucky not to give away an 89th-minute penalty for handling a cross with his outstretched arm, the offside flag sparing his blushes. —

Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images

Witsel

Outmuscled by Baptistão just prior to Giménez’s own goal. Atlético have conceded only twice at home since March 4 — Witsel was on the pitch for both goals. His accurate passing (98 percent on Sunday) is nice to have, but that alone cannot make up for his declining physical attributes. 4.5

Hermoso

Has an enormous impact right now on Atlético’s buildup. Completed 96 percent of his passes in the first half, his passing range essential to wriggling free of pressure and progressing the ball to Koke or Rodrigo de Paul. 7

Carrasco

Easily won his first-half matchup with right-back Houboulang Mendes, who was eventually forced off with what looked like a hamstring problem. Took the corner that Ángel Correa flicked on for Griezmann’s opening goal, then set up Griezmann directly with a quick low cross for the Frenchman’s second strike two minutes before halftime. Hit the inside of the post on the hour and deserved a goal of his own. 8

Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Llorente

Another hard-working performance. His penalty area cutbacks at full speed are Atlético’s most dangerous weapon against tiring defenses. Nearly padded Atleti’s lead early in the second half with a stinging shot he drilled just wide of Almería goalkeeper Fernando Martínez — who stopped him again from close range a few minutes before the hour. Booked late on and will miss next Sunday’s clash with Barcelona. 6.5

Koke

Atlético’s metronome, led all players in touches (68) and passes attempted (63) in the first 45 minutes. Continued to keep play moving into the second half but struggled to rally the troops once Almería’s speedy substitutes wrestled control of the game. 6

De Paul

Calm and efficient on the ball, but not quite incisive enough from the center of the park. He’s looking more at home in Atlético’s midfield, even if unspectacularly so. 6

Correa

Returned to action following his mother’s passing and immediately made an impact, grabbing an assist for Griezmann with a sharp headed flick from Yannick Carrasco’s corner. Unfortunately gave the goal right back half an hour later, making a return pass that no one took up and instead ended up behind Jan Oblak. 5.5

Griezmann

Orchestrated everything for Atlético in the first half, scoring a header inside five minutes (with a defender tugging his arm) and restoring the Rojiblancos’ lead with a crisp tap-in on 43 minutes. Martínez denied him his hat trick just after the hour. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better player in LaLiga than Griezmann right now. 9.5

Subs

Morata

Replaced Correa in the 64th minute. Struggled to get going — his touch was leaden and he looked indecisive. Atlético slowed down after his entry and lost control of the game. —

Barrios

Replaced de Paul in the 78th minute. Attempted one unwise long-range shot, had to be held back by Koke when Largie Ramazani kicked him in stoppage time. N/A

Saúl

Replaced Llorente in the 94th minute, his 371st Atlético game. Surpassed Luis Aragonés on the club’s appearances list. N/A