Atlético Madrid rounded off the year with a convincing 3-0 win away at Girona on Sunday. Yes, that is an away win and a clean sheet, both of which have been scarce this season. It sets the spirit for the holiday
season as we go on break and have time to regroup in the new year.
Here are the player ratings from the game.
Starting XI
Jan Oblak
In case you were wondering if the big Slovenian has still got it, just ask Axel Witsel what he thinks. The ex-Atleti man was denied a certain goal via a ridiculous save, with Oblak clawing the ball back out from behind him. Not many goalkeepers that get you off your seat the way this man does, and this save of the season contender was a nice little Christmas gift from ol’ reliable. 9
Marcos Llorente
Back from injury and it was almost like he never left. Ever so slightly rusty with his defensive positioning on a couple of occasions but otherwise was a huge net positive overall. Unsurprising that the right flank looked so much better, with no bigger beneficiary than Giuliano Simeone ahead of him. Nahuel Molina was an adequate filler but I hope Llorente never misses another minute again. 7
Marc Pubill
Just looks better and better with every passing game. The right center-back position really suits him and he is starting to look like the smartest buy of the summer. Assured in defense, great on the ball and a threat from set-pieces. Exemplifies all the key skills of an Atleti center-back, new and old. 8
Dávid Hancko
I have been a bit concerned by Hancko in recent games, though much of it has not been down to his own performances. He has been the unfortunate victim of a shaky backline and often put in uncomfortable situations because of errors from others around him. He does also have the displeasure of playing as the left-sided center-back too, and the volatility of the left-back situation has not really helped. However, I could not be happier that my concerns have alleviated as the backline has solidified. Pubill’s addition has steadied Hancko’s game, and he is back to being his consistent self. 7
Matteo Ruggeri
Not much to say about the Italian. Looked busy in attack with a handful of crosses but nothing spectacular or incisive. Decent in defense too and will be happy with a clean sheet at the end of the day. 5
Giuliano Simeone
Not at his exhilarating best but definitely looked more in sync with Llorente back in the side. Calendar year 2025 has been an exciting year for Cholito, and he will be pleased that he is now virtually un-droppable from this lineup. Fingers crossed for bigger things to come next year. 6
Koke
El Capitán continues to roll back the years, and occasionally he reminds us of his extravagant best too. Today was one such moment, as he stepped onto a volley and rifled it into the top corner. Not one to usually make a splash, but I’ll have more of that, please. Aging like fine wine. 9
Pablo Barrios
This year has seen Barrios turn into the player that we have been yearning for him to be. He commands the midfield and he looks set to take over from Koke when the time comes. He misplaced just a single one of his 71 passes today and continues to develop into an all-action general. 8
Nico Gonzalez
He started the season brightly and won over quite a bit of the fan base after a head-scratching move but has struggled for form of late. His injury just around a quarter of an hour is an unfortunate way to round off his first half-season in red and white. Hopefully finds his spark again in the new year. 4
Julián Alvarez
La Araña closed out the year with another tame performance, but it was still a bit more effective than some of his recent ones to say the least. Grabbed a rather fortunate assist having made the pass to set up Gallagher for his deflected shot but did not really create too much more. The tide needs to turn for the Argentine in the new year, else the rumors of discontent will start up again round the summer. 5
Alexander Sørloth
Declared the MVP of the game, and while I felt there were a couple of other great performances, it was well deserved. The Norwegian has fought his way back into the side after a wayward start and he was the biggest attacking threat in the game, which says a lot when you play alongside Alvarez. Could have been found free in the box on a number of occasions if his teammates had opted to pass, but it was another job well done by the big striker. 8
Substitutes
Conor Gallagher
On for the injured Gonzalez, the Englishman immediately gave the attack a boost. Looked great in the pockets down the left side and while somewhat fortunate to pick up a goal via a deflection, he was a threat through the end of the first half. Might have had an injury of his own when he came off again later on, but more to come on that situation. 7
Robin Le Normand
More minutes in the tank for Le Normand, came on during a slightly frantic phase but had just three touches and nothing much of note. 4
Thiago Almada
Also had just three touches after coming on, showed good energy to disrupt Girona’s momentum and relieve some pressure at the end. Been a stop-start beginning to his Atleti career. 4
Antoine Griezmann
Excellent finish to round off the game at the death, and it is perhaps fitting in a way that the Frenchman scores Atleti’s last goal of the year. Has been less of a central figure this season but contributes in every way he can. 7
Giacomo Raspadori
Linked with a winter move away but followed up his goal in midweek with an assist off the bench today. Be interesting to see what happens in the weeks to come. 5
