Atlético de Madrid headed to the northwest of Spain to take on Real Oviedo in Saturday night action in LaLiga. It took until the very end in Asturias, but Julián Alvarez silenced the Carlos Tartiere with a 94th-minute winner as Atleti leapfrogged Villarreal into third place.
Oblak
Between the sticks, Oblak was called upon to put in multiple game-defining stops against the likes of Federico Viñas and Ilyas Chaira. His saves were crucial in keeping
a tame Atlético Madrid team from going down in the match. 8
Molina
Poised on the right, Molina’s first half saw a noticeable dip in the offensive contributions he has mustered in recent weeks. He certainly missed the dynamism of a Giuliano Simeone or a Marcos Llorente in the midfield. The second 45 brought more chances for the right-back to send in crosses, including his ball into the box in added time which led to Alvarez’s goal. 5
Giménez
Giménez won back possession at times with strong reading of the game, but Viñas’ physicality proved difficult for him to handle. His passing was accurate but was missing the venom that the likes of Marc Pubill or Dávid Hancko bring to aid in the buildup play. 4.5
Le Normand
The Spaniard’s defensive work helped to break down counter attacks through the middle and his distribution was effective enough to break through the Oviedo press at times. His unsteady positioning and lack of effectiveness in ground duels doesn’t make him the steadiest defender around though. 4.5
Julio Díaz
Got the start after impressing Diego Simeone with his play under Fernando Torres at Atlético Madrileño. The 21-year-old did look raw at times, but he presented a great deal of energy on the left, especially when the team was in possession. His hustle to keep the ball inbounds in added time kept the play alive and ultimately led to the winning goal. A promising performance from the youngster. 6.5
Almada
Showed dynamism on the ball with his dribbling forward and was keen to start a counter attack when he could. The Argentine’s efforts did spur the offense, producing two key passes, but the shots that came from them failed to trouble Aarón Escandell in the box. 5
Cardoso
Another strong showing from the midfielder, who put in three tackles, three clearances and a block while on the pitch. He might be in line for a start at Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg on Tuesday. 6.5
Mendoza
Next to Cardoso, Mendoza looked for options out wide, but was never able to break through into the final third with his distribution. He showed some good touches though and continues to grow following his move from Elche at the start of the month. 5.5
Baena
The midfielder led the team with three key passes and had his goal called back for offsides. Despite these efforts, it never truly looked like Baena could produce a decisive chance on goal. 5
Sørloth
Coming off two big games and five goals, Sørloth was silenced on Saturday, unable to get a single shot while on the pitch. He was unable to hold up the play effectively, and the combination of Dani Calvo and David Carmo marked him out of the match. 4
Lookman
The striker connected with Díaz early on, helping to push the ball up the pitch, but like Sørloth he was really unable to find a look on goal. His only shot was blocked just outside of the 18-yard box. 4.5
Subs:
Alvarez
Came on for Lookman at halftime and was able to secure three points for the team with an added-time winner. After getting on the end of a second-chance ball in the box, Alvarez took a touch and iced the match with a composed left-footed shot. 7
G. Simeone
The energetic winger wasn’t able to streak down the flank too much, but he did open space as time went on following his entry just after the hour. 5
Koke
Subbed on for Mendoza in the second half and helped to retain possession with typical, effective distribution. Passes out wide and up front made the squad’s buildup play look more dangerous. 5
Griezmann
Put a peach of a ball in for Baena but the midfielder’s strike was called back for offside. Still, Griezmann’s presence helped to spark some needed creativity. 5.5
Llorente
Added energy into the midfield with his fresh legs. While on the ball Llorente consistently was looking to turn and move the ball forward. 5.5
