CA Osasuna 0-2 Atlético de Madrid: Player Ratings

Oblak

Now one appearance away from 400 in all competitions with Atlético Madrid. A collision with target man Ante Budimir midway through the first half appeared to leave him a little worse for wear, and Budimir nearly caught out the Slovene when he went wandering outside the area, but Mario Hermoso saved the day with a clearance. A fortunate clean sheet overall, helped by Axel Witsel exaggerating a foul that saw David García’s 75th-minute equalizer ruled out by referee Martínez Munuera. 6

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Molina

Molina still doesn’t seem to have a great understanding with Marcos Llorente — one example being his sprint into an offside position early on when the Spaniard tried to deliver a ball over the top to him. The World Cup winner struggled to keep Johan Mojica quiet on his flank and was subbed off after an unremarkable hour. 5

Giménez

The Uruguayan made a key sliding block to prevent Atleti killer Budimir from testing Jan Oblak in the early stages. Made six clearances, blocked two shots, and committed just one foul (for which he was booked). 7.5

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Witsel

Former Osasuna academy product César Azpilicueta was expected to start, but Diego Simeone gave Witsel the nod at El Sadar instead. The Belgian led all players with 54 touches and 52 passes attempted in the first half, and the wily veteran exaggerated a small swipe from Aimar Oroz that led to García’s otherwise-legal equalizer being disallowed. 7.5

Hermoso

In the first half alone, Hermoso made an important sliding block on Chimy Ávila shortly after Atlético went ahead, got in the way of a Mojica free kick from just outside the 18-yard box, then cleared away what would have been a sure goal off the boot of Aimar. His second half was more erratic, poor positioning allowing Ávila a free pop that went wide of Oblak during Osasuna’s best period of the game. 6.5

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Samuel Lino

Handed a third consecutive start as he begins to establish himself as one of Simeone’s regulars. Osasuna couldn't handle him, his aggressiveness and unpredictability on the ball proving a real thorn in the side of right-back Jesús Areso or anyone else who got in his way. It was Lino’s dipping cross into the penalty area that Aitor Fernández spilled, allowing Antoine Griezmann to bounce in the opening goal. The Brazilian showcased excellent defensive awareness throughout and later set up Rodrigo Riquelme’s 81st-minute goal with a wicked low cross. 8.5

Koke

The midfield marshal in the first half, helped to keep Atlético compact and made crisp, short passes in possession. The second half was a different story, as the team followed his unfortunate lead of tracking back and hoofing the ball out of danger. 4.5

Llorente

Hustled back into defense to make three clearances in the first 45 minutes, but he wasn't much of a threat in the final third. 5

Saúl

One of the derby heroes, Saúl followed up his two-assist night against Real Madrid with a less-decisive display in Pamplona. The touch was heavier, the attacking involvement not as significant, although Saúl covered a lot of ground again and made six clearances. 6

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Griezmann

Made his 250th appearance in LaLiga for Atlético. Drifted all around the midfield and forward lines, popping up to open the scoring on 20 minutes after Aitor mishandled the ball at the near post. The left-footed strike, Griezmann’s third this season, was his 160th for the club — bringing him a little closer to Luis Aragonés’ record 172 goals. The Frenchman dug in defensively and picked up the hockey assist for Riquelme’s goal in the second half, helping Atleti hold on for a big win. 8

Morata

Had scored twice before for Atlético against Osasuna entering this fixture, and his presence distracted Aitor long enough for Griezmann to grab the game’s opening goal. Morata struggled to stay onside in the first half and lost his head in the second, seeing yellow and then red for shoving — and kicking out at — Ávila, who tried to break his right leg by stomping on it in a scrap near the corner flag. Álvaro’s anger was more than understandable given such blatant provocation, but up 2-0, he shouldn’t have taken the bait from one of LaLiga’s most unsportsmanlike players. 3.5

Azpilicueta

Replaced Molina on the hour to a warm reception from the Osasuna faithful. Closed down space well, read expertly what the game needed. Nearly scored his first-ever goal in LaLiga from a Lino assist, but Aitor scrambled it away late in the second half. 6.5

Riquelme

Replaced Marcos Llorente in the 66th minute. Brought on to offer respite from Los Rojillos’ tidal wave and grabbed his first goal for the club 10 minutes from time, cutting inside of Aitor and calmly sliding Lino’s pass into the net. 8