Starting XI
Oblak
Another game where the big Slovenian was left stranded in his goal. Made a couple of routine saves and could do absolutely nothing for the goal conceded, a thumping header from Vedat Muriqi in the 85th minute. He should feel hard done by his defense. 5
Llorente
Quiet day for the man who starred midweek against Liverpool…right up until the Alexander Sørloth red card. Did not register a single successful cross in the first half and had a tough time breaking through the right-hand side. However,
he was the prime attacker after the red card, and his shot created the chance for Conor Gallagher to slot home. 6
Le Normand
It was one of his better performances this season, and he was not really at fault for the goal either. Did very well to recover possession and snuff out attacks in the first half, and he looked very comfortable until the red card. Much-needed positives for him and hopefully he can kick on from this game. 5
Lenglet
The Frenchman must have been relieved with his performance when the side controlled the game in the first half, but he did drop off when they went down to 10 men. Culpable for allowing Muriqi a free header from close range, and you need your center-back to be doing much better there. Could be left out of the lineup soon. 3
Hancko
Probably the side’s best left-back at the moment, which is a shame because you would also want him to play as the left-sided center-back. Got forward consistently, and his combination with Nico Gonzalez gave Atleti a much-needed boost down that flank. However, he failed to track Muriqi’s run and was very static for the goal, which stains his performance. 5
Giuliano Simeone
Far from his best, but involved in some of the side’s best open-play chances. Did well to get on the end of an enticing cross from Nico, but failed to keep his shot down and on target. Also squared the ball nicely for Julián Alvarez after a winding run into the area, which the forward failed to convert. Interestingly, he also swapped wings a couple of times – something we have not seen too often, but maybe a sign of things to come. 6
Koke
If Koke continues to play this way, he should quite simply never leave. The captain made 93 passes and played the ball into the final third 20 times. He complemented that with crucial defensive contributions especially after the sending off and once again, was the standout for the side. 8
Barrios
In a game where Atleti had a bulk of the possession early on, you would expect Barrios to have more than just the eight passes into the final third — especially when his midfield partner Koke mustered up 20. Not necessarily a bad game, but if Barrios needs to step up to the next level you would think that he needs to take these games by the scruff of the neck. 5
Nico Gonzalez
Quietly becoming the side’s most influential player on the pitch. Might be a bit predictable in that he will go down the line and cross more often than not, but he always seems to find the extra yard of space. Links up better the more he plays and will be crucial for getting this attack firing. 7
Alvarez
After controlling the early phases, a 14th-minute penalty would have had the Rojiblancos firmly in charge. However, Alvarez’s poor spot kick was comfortably saved by Leo Román, and the goalkeeper seemed to have the better of the forward the entire game. The Argentine had just four touches in the penalty box too, and needs to find his form soon. 3
Raspadori
Another hour from the start but apart from a few flashes, it was a disappointing game for the Italian. Did not have a single shot and while he created a single chance, he looked unlikely to break the deadlock. With Alvarez’s poor form and Sørloth’s unavailability, you wonder where Atleti’s goals will come from. 2
Substitutes
Molina
Has not had the easiest of starts to a season and had just over 30 minutes to show his worth. Attempted just two tackles, with just one being successful, and he struggled down the right after the sending off. Slow to close the Jan Virgili cross down that led to the goal and allowed Mallorca the upper hand down his side. 2
Sørloth
Had just under 10 minutes and when he first committed the foul, the initial reaction was that he was fortunate to escape a booking. His careless and rash challenge rightfully earned him a red card which handicapped the side for over half an hour. Another negative performance from a player that desperately needs a good performance. 0
Griezmann
Looked bright as soon as he came on, with his only chance at goal coming within a few minutes. Probably the biggest loser of the sending off as he did not get to influence the attack much and had to get involved defensively, with his clearances being his biggest contributions to the game. 4
Gallagher
Created a chance and scored a goal off the bench, and all this with just eight touches in the game. Proving to be a useful impact player and another one whose overall performance today was largely affected by the sending off. 7
Ruggeri
Had about 20 minutes on the pitch including stoppage time. Brought on to give the side numbers in defence after the red card. Interestingly, did not have a single tackle but did have a few clearances and interceptions. 4
