What appeared to be a promising day for Atlético Madrid ended in disappointment, as the Rojiblancos suffered a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid that extends their winless run at the Bernabéu to 11 years. It also sees Atlético drop to fourth place and one point behind Villarreal in LaLiga.
The bright spot was certainly Nahuel Molina’s outside the box rocket to equalize, after Vinícius Jr. and Fede Valverde had answered Ademola Lookman’s opener. But it was two goals from Vinícius that
saw the Merengues through.
Ultimately, it was a five-goal thriller that kept neutral viewers thoroughly entertained, but the match was not without controversy. First came Dani Carvajal’s early “challenge” on Marcos Llorente in the opening stages. That was followed by the penalty awarded for Dávid Hancko’s challenge on Brahim Díaz, before the drama peaked with a red card shown to Valverde for his foul on Álex Baena.
Here are Into the Calderón’s player ratings from this evening’s Madrid Derby:
Player Ratings
Juan Musso: Luckily Hancko was present for his error at the end of the first half. Not much more he could’ve done on the penalty or the two other goals from Vinicius and Valverde. Monstrous save on Alexander Arnold’s free kick. 6
Matteo Ruggeri: Dreadful giveaway to set up Valverde’s goal. Proves to be very proficient offensively, but leaving a bit to be desired at times defensively. 5
Dávid Hancko: Rescued Musso in back to back sequences at the end of the first half that prevented Real Madrid from equalizing. Poor defending on Diaz to give up a penalty. Not the best evening for the mostly consistent Hancko. 5
Robin Le Normand: Was a part of the group effort on the right to keep Vinicius clamped down. Reportedly was not feeling well and was promptly subbed off for José María Giménez at halftime. 5
Marcos Llorente: Partnered well with Simeone to stifle Vini in the first half. Unlucky to not finish his early chance where he was de-cleated by Carvajal. Llorente proves once again to be Simeone’s most important player. 6
Johnny Cardoso: Did well to disrupt multiple prospective Madrid attacks. Cardoso still seeks to improve his ability to disrupt without fouling. This was apparent again today as, the American will miss the upcoming match against Barcelona in LALIGA. 5
Koke: Unfortunate given Barrios and Mendoza’s injuries and Cardoso’s fouling troubles that Koke is playing this much at his age, but the longtime Atlético captain proves again and again why he’s the head of the orchestra, giving this midfield so much organization and structure. 6
Giuliano Simeone: Wonderful flick on to set up Lookman’s opening goal. Equaled Alvarez at eight assists on the year to lead Los Rojiblancos. Partnered well with Llorente defensively to help lock down Vini in the first half. 6
Antoine Griezmann: Continued his stretch of good form at both ends of the pitch. Set up Marcos Llorente’s early chance where he was taken down in the box by Carvajal and tracked back on defense well to give Atléti the support they needed. 6
Julián Alvarez: The Argentine had a couple of good attempts, but failed to capitalize, as he did in the last LALIGA Madrid derby. Very unlucky to hit the post from his outside the box strike. 5
Ademola Lookman: Fantastic finish from Simeone’s lovely touch to open up the scoring for Los Colchoneros. Following his hot start after joining the club in the winter transfer window, the Nigerian cooled off in the most recent stretch of matches. Hopefully a sign on reigniting that hot start. Replaced by Molina in the 58th minute. 7
Substitutes
José María Giménez: Came on for Le Normand at halftime. Horrific defending on Valverde’s goal. Josema’s performances have been very hot and cold this season unfortunately. Today it was cold. 4
Alexander Sørloth: Came very close with his late header. Did not provide much outside of that after being brought on for Griezmann in the 58th minute. 5
Nahuel Molina: Replaced Lookman in the 58th minute and didn’t wait long to make an impact. My word, what a hit. Second time in as many weeks that he’s had an outside the box screamer. The Argentine is exuding confidence at this moment. 6
Nico González: Did not do much in his time on the pitch when he entered the match for Johnny in the 58th minute. Thankfully, this will not count towards Atlético de Madrid’s buy clause with Juventus. 4
Álex Baena: Poor defending on the third goal from Vinicius shortly after subbing on for Simeone. The Spaniard once again does not prove much with limited minutes. 4
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