Atlético Madrid got off the mark, well and truly, in this year’s UEFA Champions League by defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1, securing back-to-back wins at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Atlético were ball-dominant
and defensively solid yet again. The suspended Diego Simeone watched on from his box as Atleti exploited Frankfurt’s sleepy defence time and time again. Giacamo Raspadori got Atleti off to a flyer before Robin Le Normand scored yet again from set-piece chaos; Antoine Griezmann then showcased world-class movement to tap in Julián Alvarez’s lay-off to make it 3-0 before halftime.
In the second half, Frankfurt pulled one back and regained some control, before another venomous Alvarez corner was headed home by Giuliano Simeone. Alvarez then scored a very, very cheeky penalty to complete the rout.
Confidence. Is. Soaring.
Here are Into the Calderón’s ratings:
Player Ratings
Jan Oblak – 6: This man is in desperate need of some clean sheets. It did not come today, and perhaps he could have anticipated Jonathan Burkardt’s goal better, but it was by no means a glaring blunder. Oblak was steady with his passing during buildup and hard to fault.
Marcos Llorente – 7: The fittest footballer on the planet? Galloped up and down the right flank like he owns it, because he does at this point. I have a feeling we will sorely miss this stability and consistency one day. His positioning was below-par for Frankfurt’s only goal but I certainly think he can be forgiven for this rare lapse in concentration.
Robin Le Normand – 7: Against Rayo, I said he lacked authority, especially in comparison to Dávid Hancko. Today, there was complete authority, and two goals in two games is an example of that authority even making its way upfield. A real upturn in form, it needs to continue.
Clément Lenglet – 6: Steady and progressive with his passing as usual. However, he did pick up a yellow card for a late challenge, and had to play on that for a while. But he allowed little to get past him and cleared almost every ball that came into the box.
Matteo Ruggeri – 8: Linked up incredibly well with Jack Raspadori and fed him down the left flank on numerous occasions. Perhaps this Italiano connection should not be a surprise; the lanky, imposing full-back is a perfect foil for the diminutive winger. He could have been slightly better with his crossing but was strong in the tackle throughout and contributed significantly to a more-balanced Atleti.
Giuliano Simeone – 8: Deployed in his hybrid RWB role and delivered as expected, although he was caught out for Frankfurt’s only goal in terms of positioning. Perhaps understandably; this is a player who, a short time ago, was a striker/attacking midfielder. At the other end, his pace and penetrative running caused all sorts of issues and resulted in an assist. He headed home a near-post corner in the second half to help secure the game. Too hot to handle.
Pablo Barrios – 6: A step up was needed today with Koke on the bench in the first half, and while it was not emphatic, I believe Barrios did keep things ticking really well and showed strong positional discipline.
Conor Gallagher – 6: Came in to replace Koke from the off after his mammoth performance against Real Madrid. Gallagher was caught out a few times on the ball but his pressing and tackling abilities ensured he was a vital component of the victory. He leaves his soul on the pitch.
Giacomo Raspadori – 9: Simply unplayable in the first half. Read the game well to bundle home a rebound in the fourth minute, but this was just the start. He then started to produce sweeping, cross-field switches that landed perfectly at the feet of the onrushing Simeone every time. On one such occasion, his nimble footwork helped evade three Frankfurt players down the left byline, before he switched the play. His complete two-footedness also seems a very valuable skill and his work ethic defensively is welcomed.
Julián Alvarez – 10: Firstly, what on earth has happened to this man’s set piece delivery as of late? Simply incredible. Blink, and you would have missed his venomous corner that eventually found its way to Le Normand. The one for Simeone was just as inch-perfect too. Put a goal on a plate for Griezmann after some explosive dribbling and also scored a Panenka penalty which I think summarised how he has been feeling lately. Please never leave us.
Antoine Griezmann – 9: The chosen partner of Alvarez today in what feels like selection bingo sometimes. Flicked on the corner which Le Normand eventually buried. Scored from Alvarez’s lay-off, and was generally really smart with his movement and link-up play throughout. He won the penalty which Alvarez converted, and it all just generally felt like peak Griezmann again.
Substitutions
Koke – 6: Replaced Raspadori in the 54th minute as Atlético were beginning to lose control. And guess what happened? Atleti regained a lot of control after he started getting on the ball. Nothing more than that can reveal what Koke brings to this team.
Nahuel Molina – 5: Replaced Simeone in the 74th minute and slotted into that RWB spot nicely. This is probably Molina’s best role as things stand.
Nico Gonzalez – 5: Replaced Barrios in the 74th minute. Gallagher was moved back inside after some previous shuffling by the gaffer, and Nico added width on the left.
Carlos Martín – N/A: Replaced Griezmann in the 89th minute. Really delighted to see him make his UCL debut. I want to see more of him this season.
Álex Baena – N/A: Replaced Alvarez in the 89th minute and it was simply a small window of opportunity for him to regain fitness.
