Atlético de Madrid’s UEFA Champions League run came to a halt on Tuesday night, when Bukayo Saka beat Jan Oblak on the stroke of halftime to secure a 1-0 win for Arsenal. The 2-1 aggregate victory puts the Gunners in the Champions League final for the first time in 20 years.
For Atlético, the result condemns the Colchoneros to a fifth successive season without a trophy. Despite dominating the ball in the second half, Atleti never created a clear chance against Europe’s top defense and will rue their
missed opportunities from the first leg last week.
Onto the ratings.
Oblak Came out to cover for Dávid Hancko when the Slovakian missed a ball in behind that really should have been intercepted; needed to be more decisive in collecting the ball. Recovered well to make a great save on Leandro Trossard but couldn’t keep out Saka on the rebound. Enjoyed a solid, commanding second half when called upon, which wasn’t often. 4.5
Pubill A shaky shift at right-back in the first half, when he failed to win a single individual duel. Involved in the game’s chief controversy for a penalty area clash with Gabriel Magalhães, who stuck out his leg and appeared to foul Pubill, only for referee Daniel Siebert to call it the other way. Booked in the last 10 minutes after his 189th tussle with Viktor Gyökeres. 5.5
Le Normand The lineup’s big surprise as Cholo Simeone chose to stick with the Spain international following his good performance against Valencia at the weekend and in the second half last week. Thought he was quite good in the first half, maybe could have been more aggressive on closing down Trossard for the goal but hardly his fault alone. 6
Hancko Made a timing mistake on the Saka goal, stretching to intercept the ball meant for Gyökeres and missing it badly. That led to a collapse in Atleti’s shape: Oblak had to come out to hunt down Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal switched the play to Trossard and the rebound from the Belgian’s shot fell nicely for Saka. Quite good otherwise, especially after Atleti got on the ball in the second half, but the damage had been done. 4.5
Ruggeri Drawn into a tough assignment with Saka on his flank and Noni Madueke after him. Won four of seven ground duels, made three clearances and three interceptions, but just couldn’t get forward enough to weaponize his crossing. 6
Koke The captain was clever and measured in the first half, winning fouls to disrupt Arsenal’s possession spells and leading all Atleti players in passes completed. Booked at the end for protesting. 6
Llorente A couple key blocks at 0-0 and energetic pressure throughout the first half. Moved to right-back after Simeone’s triple change but ended up covering ground everywhere in another busy performance. Has enjoyed his an absolutely elite season and will get no tangible reward for it. 6.5
Giuliano Kept his place in the Champions League despite week-long speculation that he would be dropped amid a poor run of form. Set up Julián Alvarez after he knocked down Oblak’s long ball and played a one-two with Antoine Griezmann. Targeted in the hosts’ buildup and only broke free a couple times, but he was dangerous when he did; he might have won a penalty after a collision with Gabriel in the box. 4
Lookman Born about an hour’s drive from Arsenal’s ground, the wizard of Wandsworth had few touches in the early going, all of them heavy as the rain fell. Provided good, not great, cover for Matteo Ruggeri and had his lone shot attempt blocked shortly after halftime. 2
Griezmann Made his 98th and final appearance in the Champions League for Atlético. Tucked in as a right midfielder out of possession in a largely-disciplined 5-4-1 shape; incredibly committed defensively. Should have shot on the edge of the box after half an hour but spurned it for a pass to Marcos Llorente. Forced David Raya into a save from Marc Pubill’s cross and had another effort blocked before exiting exhausted. 6.5
Alvarez Never a doubt that he would start even after he picked up a painful ankle sprain last Wednesday. Shot wide after seven minutes, otherwise well-marshaled by William Saliba. Had nothing more to give when Simeone removed him after 65 minutes. 4.5
Johnny Replaced Giuliano in the 57th minute. Maybe should have started the match? Tidy on the ball and defensively responsible. A full season of a fit Johnny Cardoso will be great to watch. 6
Sørloth Replaced Robin Le Normand in the 57th minute. Showed why his future is not at Atlético. Made an impact quickly with a knockdown for Griezmann to run onto from Oblak’s goal kick and couldn’t look bothered until Álex Baena swung in a great cross for him five minutes from time. He whiffed on the shot and missed the ball entirely. Thanks for the goals this season and last, Alex. 3
Molina Replaced Ademola Lookman in the 57th minute. Never found an angle to launch one of those long shots we’ve seen lately but kept play moving and held his own. 5
Baena Replaced Griezmann in the 66th minute. Full of intent but light on execution in a floating role. Has great technique but far from elite physicality. 4.5
Almada Replaced Alvarez in the 66th minute. Tidy touches, crisp passes, nothing else of note. 4
