SS Lazio 1-1 Atlético Madrid: Player Ratings

Oblak

Broke a tie with Fernando Torres on his 397th appearance for Atlético Madrid — and joined the absent Koke as the only Colchoneros to make 75 appearances in the Champions League. Made a smart save midway through the first half on a stinging free kick from Mattia Zaccagni, then stopped Ciro Immobile from point-blank range with the left hand five minutes before the hour. Should have finished up with a sensational stretching save on substitute Danilo Cataldi in the third minute of stoppage time, but then he was beaten by Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel in the 94th minute. 6.5

Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Molina

Back in the 11 after Diego Simeone tried (and failed) to rest him at Valencia on Saturday. Zaccagni and Luca Pellegrini gave him fits in the first half but he got forward to set up Pablo Barrios’ goal with a quick pass — his second goal contribution in three games this season. Clearly gassed after halftime and gave away the corner that led to Lazio’s equalizer. 6

Witsel

Made his fourth consecutive start, remaining preferred ahead of the now-healthy José Giménez. I don’t know how much longer Simeone can get away with playing the Belgian in central defense, seeing as he continually allows his marker to gain inside position, but no doubt El Cholo continues to value the 34-year-old’s composure and passing accuracy. Moved into midfield for the second half and stung the hands of goalkeeper Provedel from distance before exiting. 6

Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Savić

The grizzled veteran was a bit spotty on the ball but he had an excellent second half, finishing with six interceptions. 7

Hermoso

A player capable of heroism and villainy in this competition — sometimes in the same game — Hermoso pushed up when Atlético were in possession to form a double pivot with Barrios, perhaps secure in the knowledge that Stefan Savić or Axel Witsel could clean up behind him. He was efficient on the ball (90 percent passing accuracy) but perhaps too safe, and his defensive positioning was suspect. 5.5

Lino

Won the race to start at left wing-back — his first start for the club in official competition. He completed 22 of his 23 passes in the first half and always made himself an option in combination play, as well as in tight spaces around the penalty area. Nearly opened his Champions League account midway through the second half, but Provedel stopped him brilliantly. 7

Barrios

His first start in European competition for the first team. Marshaled the midfield and performed under pressure. Opened the scoring on 29 minutes — against the run of play — with a long-range missile that deflected off Daichi Kamada and in behind Provedel. At 20 years and 96 days old, he’s the youngest Spaniard ever to score in the Champions League for Atlético. Hopefully the muscle pain that forced him off at halftime doesn’t keep him out long. 8

Saúl

Made his 82nd appearance in European competition for Atlético. Looked to get forward and aid the attack, with Mario Hermoso accompanying Barrios in a double pivot to compensate. Ended the game as the holding midfielder, when Atlético could not get out of their own half and ultimately conceded. Jack of all trades, master of none. 5.5

Llorente

Looked to get back on track after a particularly-dismal match at Mestalla over the weekend. Made zero ball recoveries in the first half and didn’t represent a significant threat around the Lazio penalty area. 4

Griezmann

The Frenchman could have set up Samuel Lino on Atlético’s first dangerous break of the game, but he slipped on the playing surface and the opportunity came to nothing. Skied a volley well over the bar from a Marcos Llorente cutback just before the hour. Forced Provedel into a good save from a dipping free kick and contributed admirably in defense late on. 6.5

Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images

Morata

With Memphis still unavailable through injury, I thought Simeone would elect to try something different up top after the lifeless display in València. He didn't. Morata was more effective in defense (three clearances) than in attack (one shot). The Spain captain’s only shot attempt, from an Antoine Griezmann free kick, struck the woodwork. 4.5

---

Giménez

Entered for Barrios at halftime. Mean and stern at the back, made a couple clearances and placed virtually every pass where it needed to go. Will he start against Real Madrid on Sunday? 6

Correa

Entered for Witsel in the 75th minute. Took too many touches near his own penalty area as Atlético tried to grind out a result. Picked up a yellow card for barking at the ref — he had been pulled back by a Lazio player in the buildup to the hosts’ equalizer. N/A

Riquelme

Entered for Samuel Lino in the 79th minute. Protected by Griezmann defensively, given some license to sprint and poke the ball into space when he came on. A better cameo than his 45 minutes at Valencia. N/A