Coming off a huge first-leg win against Barcelona in midweek, Atlético Madrid entered this match against Sevilla with an infusion of youth, as Diego Simeone handed debuts to three young talents.
In a back-and-forth match against relegation candidates, this young side competed but was unable to leave the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán with any points.
Here are Into the Calderon’s ratings:
Starting XI:
Musso
Wearing the captain’s
armband, Musso couldn’t keep out Akor Adams’ penalty and could do little to prevent Nemanja Gudelj’s header in first-half stoppage time. Hard to fault the keeper on either of those. 4
Javier Boñar
The first of three starters making their debut for the first team, Boñar couldn’t have asked for a better first game. His header that bounced into the side netting leveled the match on 34 minutes and was the feather in the 20-year-old’s cap. 7
Pubill
Was called upon to pick up some of the slack left by the defense, especially in the transition, and did well to sweep up from any breakdowns at the back. He made four clearances and won three aerial duels. The team will miss his presence on Tuesday. 6
Dani Martínez
Started his debut by conceding a penalty after he clipped Isaac Romero’s heel in the eighth minute. An unfortunate moment for the defender. Was able to send passes forward and put in the occasional clearance, but he struggled some with the pace of the match. 3.5
Julio Díaz
Sent in a wonderful ball across goal to meet an unmarked Boñar in the first half and tie the game. The academy product showed the same tenacity and eagerness that he did in his debut against Real Oviedo in February, putting in tackles and halting promising moments in the box for the opposition. Another strong showing for the 21-year-old. 7
Mendoza
Starting for the first time since his return from injury, Mendoza created three chances and showed some press resistance as the primary hub for playmaking in a pivot with Obed Vargas. He cleared the ball five times, though he remains a work in progress out of possession. 5
Vargas
Off the ball, Vargas recovered possession well and won all four of his ground duels. He made 13 final third passes but missed having a more-creative partner next to him. 5
Rayane Belaid
The Spain under-20s international made his first start in the first team. Playing largely as a right winger, the youngster had where he could show off his pace and technical quality, but he had faded out of the game for some time before Ademola Lookman replaced him. 4
Baena
Baena struggled to produce much of substance in the final third against a compact, resolute defense. He created two chances from 65 touches and picked up a yellow card out of frustration. 4
Almada
Showed patience on the ball in the team’s goal, waiting for Díaz to overlap him to set up the canterano’s cross, but he was otherwise quiet in spite of his dribbles and a handful of nice touches. 4
Sørloth
After his big goal in midweek, Sørloth logged just one shot on the night and looked frustrated on many occasions with the lack of service. 3.5
Subs:
Lookman
Came on for Rayane Belaid for the final 20 minutes. The Nigeria international looked energetic and tried to take on defenders, but he couldn’t operate in a lot of space. 5
Javi Morcillo
Replaced Rodri Mendoza. Picked up a yellow card in stoppage time in another combative cameo following last weekend’s appearance against Barcelona. N/A
Jano Monserrate
Came on in the 86th minute for Díaz. Wasn’t able to much in his limited time, but made a nice dribble that left Juanlu Sánchez planted to the floor. It was nice to see the 20-year-old get some minutes after his debut back in January. N/A
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