Valencia CF 3-0 Atlético de Madrid: Player Ratings

Oblak

Conceded three on the day, two coming from the elusive Hugo Duro and the third off a Javi Guerra finish from outside the 18-yard box. Missed tackles and misdirection of the ball made life hard on the keeper, who’s known for his goal-line heroics. Ended the match with four saves, two of which were inside the box. 4

Azpilicueta

Closed space out wide on the right flank, but offered little in attack. The 34-year-old made an excellent last-man tackle in the second half to keep the scoreline at 3-0, showing his impressive speed and superb instincts. Atlético Madrid needed a bit more movement up the pitch or crosses in the box from his side. 5

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Savić

Failed to keep up with Valencia’s energetic attack, rendered helpless on the hosts’ blistering counters. Looked to send balls over the top when in possession but any contributions here were negated by his poor game positionally. 3.5

Witsel

Consistently a step behind. Couldn’t react quick enough on Duro’s first goal in the opening minutes of the match. Later, the same attacker got in behind Witsel to score his second goal. 3

Hermoso

The Spaniard had a sloppy game in the tackle and spent much of Saturday’s match on a yellow card. He was beaten by a Javi Guerra cutback in the 54th minute — Guerra used this half-space to send a thunderous shot into the back of the net to cap the scoring. 3.5

Riquelme

Valencia frequently targeted the inexperienced Riquleme on the left-hand side of the field. He worked hard defensively, but the 23-year-old had no influence on the game and was hauled off at halftime. Replacing Yannick Carrasco — who could frequently add another option out wide and isolate players at the endline — will be a lengthy process for Diego Simeone. 4

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Barrios

Couldn’t break lines or switch the field like the midfielder usually looks to do, troubled by Valencia’s energy and strength in the middle. His missed tackle helped create Duro’s 34th-minute goal. Defensively, Barrios made a handful of recoveries, but he didn’t have time or space on the ball during the relevant portion of the game. 4.5

Llorente

Tried to make things happen on his own. Took the half-chances he had and lashed them on goal, tried to get on the end of every loose ball. His efforts were ultimately ineffective though. 5

Lemar

Quiet performance in midfield, stretchered off in the final minutes of the first half with a suspected Achilles tendon rupture in his right leg. 5

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Griezmann

Didn’t log a shot on target, removed just after the hour as Atlético shifted focus to the Lazio game on Tuesday. 4

Morata

Found glimpses of opportunities in the second half, getting his head on the end of a Nahuel Molina cross and making more runs in behind. Didn’t cause much trouble for Valencia though, who were quick to respond defensively. 5

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Galán

Came on for Lemar, making his official debut for the club. The defender helped spark the attack into life with drives up the flank. Somewhat encouraging. 6

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Correa

The Argentine’s hustle on the pitch never waned in the final third. His movement without the ball and pressing helped win possession back for the team. Forced Giorgi Mamardashvili into a flying save on the hour. 5.5

Molina

Simeone was hoping to give Molina a full day of rest after a busy international break, but the Argentine entered at halftime anyway with Atlético down 2-0. He sent in the occasional dangerous cross and covered the flank well in defense. 5.5

Saúl

Picked up a sloppy yellow after coming on for Mario Hermoso in the second half. Put his body on the line with four tackles but offered little on the ball. 5

Giménez

Made his season debut, replacing Antoine Griezmann for the final half an hour. Combative and battling, will be nice to have him back. 5