Rayo Vallecano 1-2 Atlético Madrid: Player Ratings

Starting XI:

Oblak

Oblak made one huge save on Óscar Valentín late in the first half but lost what would have been his fourth consecutive clean sheet after Fran García stuck a long-range golazo behind him in the 85th minute. 5

Carrasco

Involved in both goals in the first half. For the first, the Belgian made a quick layoff for Antoine Griezmann, facilitating the counterattack that resulted in Nahuel Molina’s goal. On Mario Hermoso’s header, Carrasco lofted in a pinpoint set piece delivery that doubled the lead. 7

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Hermoso

In the 24th minute, Hermoso got himself into a goo position over the shoulder of his marker, giving him just enough space to get his head on the ball and send it into the back of the net. The defender’s distribution helped soften Rayo’s press, and he was imperious in the air. 7.5

Savić

Ended the match with four clearances and three tackles. Sturdy display, more often than not where he needed to be. 5

Giménez

The Uruguayan found himself as the last line of defense more than once, to which he responded assertively by sweeping up whatever came is way within his own 18-yard box. 7

Molina

Rayo defender Álvaro García inadvertently flicked Morata’s path into Molina’s path, and the World Cup winner did the rest, finishing off a clinical counterattack on 22 minutes for his first Atlético Madrid goal. 7.5

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De Paul

Drew fouls and opted to turn and drive at defenders when the ball was at his feet. Defensively, he used his physicality and combativeness to win duels in the midfield. 6

Koke

Understood when to drop back into space to defend, or when to dictate temp further up the field. His intelligence and decision-making helped Atlético regain possession multiple times in key areas. 5

Llorente

Was able to balance his defensive duties while connecting well with Griezmann and Koke in the midfield. In the second half, the Spaniard pressed forward with more vigor, but wasn’t quite able to get his name on the scoresheet. 6

Morata

His movement and passing as the forward line’s focal point came in handy during two key moments of the game — when Molina took advantage of a Rayo mistake to score, and when defender Florian Lejeune dragged Morata down on the hour, resulting in a straight red card. 7

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Griezmann

Found a lot of freedom out wide, working with Hermoso and Rodrigo de Paul to quickly start a counter. Not his best game, but won the little moments, starting the move that culminated in Molina’s goal and delivering the cutting pass that led to Lejeune’s red card. 6

Subs:

Saúl

Subbed on for Yannick Carrasco in the second half and immediately shored up the soft left-hand side of defense. 5.5

Lemar

Quick and tidy on the ball. Unfortunate giveaway started the move that ended with Fran’s goal. 5

Barrios

The 19-year-old continues to gain prominence thanks to his ball progression and passing range. Could have done better to close down Fran on the Rayo left-back’s goal. 5