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Grbić
Made his sixth consecutive start for Atlético Madrid, fresh off keeping his first clean sheet as a starter. Had two excellent reaction saves to make from Espanyol corner kicks in the first half, and later stopped Zarra Trophy favorite Joselu at the near post. Out of position as César Montes headed in a 65th-minute goal from a corner, then conceded a 76th-minute penalty (that Joselu predictably buried) after he cut down Javi Puado in the area. —
Molina
Had trouble getting forward in the first half, hemmed in as Espanyol attacked quickly and directly. Cleared his lines well though, and tucked in to pick up a shot assist for Ángel Correa in the buildup to Atlético’s third goal. Hit the crossbar later on, offering Atleti a little respite from Espanyol’s all-out attack. Disappeared on the Espanyol equalizer. 4
Witsel
Largely at fault for the third goal, Vinicius Souza’s 79th-minute equalizer. Offers no security positionally, doesn’t have the foot speed to keep up with anybody. —
Giménez
Helped Los Colchoneros play their way out of trouble at the back in the first half, passing accurately and confidently when Espanyol attacked in waves. Didn't turn up for the second half. 4
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Hermoso
The ex-Espanyol center-back assisted the game’s opening goal with a long through pass that made its way to Saúl Ñíguez after defender Montes mistimed a slide tackle that would have swept the ball away. Made nine clearances but conceded a large number of corners — Espanyol scored from one of them. 5
Carrasco
The Belgian was wayward defensively but ate well with the ball at his feet. It was his shot in the 44th minute that struck the far post and bounced to Antoine Griezmann, who tapped in the game’s second goal. Carrasco got himself a goal just 16 seconds into the second half, sweeping home the rebound from Correa’s shot. He’s scored six times in the past 13 games. 7
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Koke
El Capi completed 49 of his 50 passes in the opening 45 minutes, setting a tempo that helped Atlético wrest control of the match back from the hosts. Needed to inspire Atleti in the second half with a display of the same caliber, but could not prevent complacency from settling in as the Rojiblancos sank without a trace despite holding a 3-0 lead. 3
De Paul
He played? —
Saúl
Rewarded with another turn in the 11 after his man of the match performance against Osasuna. Repaid Diego Simeone’s faith with another goal, breaking the deadlock after 21 minutes with an impressive near-post finish at a tight angle. 7.5
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Correa
One notable contribution, generating the rebound for Yannick Carrasco’s goal. Otherwise struggled. 3
Griezmann
Read the game well and provided what the team needed in the first half, using his body positioning to start counters and his stamina to cover for Carrasco in defense. Scored his 14th goal of the league season, confirmed by VAR in first half stoppage time, by striking the ball inches over the line from close range — Fernando Pacheco couldn’t keep it out. 7.5
Barrios
Entered for de Paul in the 78th minute. N/A
Carlos Martín
Entered for Correa in the 78th minute. N/A
Reguilón
Entered for Carrasco in the 88th minute. N/A
Kondogbia
Entered for Koke in the 88th minute. N/A
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