Elche CF 1-0 Atlético de Madrid: Player Ratings

Grbić

Continued his run of starts in goal for Atlético Madrid. Made a few early saves against an Elche attack that looked to take advantage of an Atlético side that gave them time on the ball. Came out of goal to punch away a Lautaro Blanco long throw (that may have been illegal), but couldn’t get enough of the ball, giving an unmarked Fidel an easy goal in the 41st minute. 4

Molina

A consistent outlet on the flank, receiving multiple passes from the midfield. His crossing and distribution sparked some of the team’s best chances, especially in the opening minutes of the match. Morata couldn’t steer one of his crosses toward goal in the dying minutes — if he had put it on net, Molina would gave grabbed another assist. 6.5

Giménez

Worked with Axel Witsel to jump on chances that called for a quick tackle or a clearance. His presence in the air helped relieve some pressure early in the match when Elche’s attack looked to pin the defense back. Looked like he was knocked unconscious at the end of the first half following a collision with Édgar Badía, but soldiered on for the full 90. 5

Photo by Francisco Macia/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Witsel

Struggled with the pace of Randy Nteka, who frequently looked to take Witsel on, but the Belgian remained disciplined, frequently sweeping up Elche’s attempts to drive down the middle. 5.5

Hermoso

Worked his way into attacking by connecting with Koke and Thomas Lemar in the middle of the field. His decisions to break lines fast-tracked the play to Álvaro Morata, who looked to receive the ball with his back to goal. On Elche’s first half goal, the defender gave Fidel too much space in the middle. 4.5

Carrasco

Had a few moments of inspiration, where the Belgian looked to send in a cross or move up the pitch, but he was beaten too easily on the flank defensively by the likes of Nteka and Tete Morente. 5

Koke

Was relatively quiet in the first half but was able to dictate more of the pace of the attack in the second through his passing and communication. The captain could be seen starting the press off the ball and switching the points of attack with it. 5

De Paul

Moved the ball confidently before being substituted for Pablo Barrios. Sent in crosses and looked for passes over the top for the likes of Morata. 5.5

Lemar

Connected in the middle of the field with the likes of Koke and Mario Hermoso, but couldn’t create many chances. When out of possession, the Frenchman dropped back and picked up three tackles. 4.5

Griezmann

Only attempted one shot on the night but was again leaned on heavily to create chances. Griezmann found himself dropping into areas of open space to receive and drive up the pitch. He ended the game with four key passes, but it was not enough to get on the scoresheet. 6.5

Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images

Morata

Challenged Badía with two big chances, forcing the keeper to make saves in some uncomfortable positions. Had what looked to be a free header in added time but the striker failed to hit the target up top. 4

---

Correa

Came on for Lemar, who appeared to pick up an injury early in the second half. The Argentine had limited touches on the ball and couldn’t inject much attacking life into the game. 4.5

Barrios

Made simple passes to move the ball forward, but even with his fresh legs, Barrios struggled to progress the play into the penalty area. 4.5

Reguilón

The Tottenham loanee saw some rare minutes after replacing Hermoso in the 61st minute. He passed the ball well, but at times looked overwhelmed on Elche’s counter attacks. 5

Carlos Martín

Lined up a high-percentage opportunity from the edge of the area in the dying minutes, but slipped and watched the ball roll to goalkeeper Badía. Summed up Atlético’s day, really. N/A