Just days after crashing out of the UEFA Champions League, Atlético Madrid hoped to recover some good vibes by beating sixth-place Celta Vigo in the friendly confines of the Metropolitano.
But when it rains, it pours. While Atlético created numerous chances, a Borja Iglesias chip just after the hour proved to be the difference as Celta stunned their hosts in a 1-0 win.
Here’s how each player rated after the team’s 1-0 loss:
Starting XI:
Oblak
Wasn’t challenged at all until the
62nd minute, when Borja Iglesias lofted a chip over him after he rushed out of the net to challenge the Spain striker. 4
Ruggeri
The Italian wasn’t burdened much out of possession in the first half, so he had the leeway to push forward and loft crosses toward the area. His link-up with Lookman disappeared as the game moved along, and he struggled after the Nigeria international came off. 4.5
Hancko
Missed a point-blank header from a corner early in the second half and by the time he had shifted over to challenge Iglesias, the Celta captain had practically already scored the game’s only goal. Good on the ball as ever, completing 59 out of 62 passes. 4.5
Giménez
Got a rare start in the defense, his first for two months, but injured his right ankle trying to win the ball off Iglesias and was promptly removed midway through the first half. Could be the Uruguayan’s last match at the club. N/A
Pubill
Mistimed his challenge and fooled completely on Williot Swedberg’s clever pass for Iglesias, which produced Celta’s goal. Fairly good otherwise, getting back to recover the ball frequently and delivering 10 passes into the final third. 4
Lookman
Provided needed creativity on the lefthand side with his driving runs and dynamic dribbling. Nearly provoked a penalty with some crafty footwork that led to a Javi Rodríguez handball, but referee Galech Apezteguia controversially looked the other way. His best chance came just before his substitution, when the attacker flashed wide from Álex Baena’s cross. 5.5
Baena
Showed sparks of ingenuity, especially with his crosses into the box toward Alexandr Sørloth and company. The midfielder frequently slid out wide to receive the ball and had plenty of time to pick out teammates in dangerous areas. He caused a lot of havoc and it was surprising to see him removed after 68 minutes. 6
Koke
The veteran midfielder orchestrated the team’s pace for the vast majority of the match, but he will take some blame for the Celta goal with a bad pass that was easily intercepted in midfield. 4
Llorente
Had a look at goal in the first half, when his shot from outside the 18-yard-box fizzed wide of the net. Continued to try and be involved in the second 45, but failed to find much of anything on goal. 4.5
Sørloth
Never shied away from an attempt on goal and used his physicality to get onto crosses, but couldn’t get the better of Ionuț Radu in net. Generated maybe the most promising chance in the 52nd minute with an audacious flick on net, forcing a diving save from Radu. 5
Griezmann
The soon-to-be Orlando City attacker put just one shot on net while on the pitch, which was dutifully saved by Radu in goal. 4
Substitutes:
Le Normand
Came on after Giménez’s early injury. Let Swedberg and Pablo Durán drive down the middle and split the defense with a pass for Iglesias, who then chipped Oblak. Is not playing at a high level defensively. 4
Molina
Replaced Lookman in the 60th minute. Slow to react on the Celta goal. Tried to add some energy as Atlético sought an equalizer. 5
Almada
Gave away the ball for too easily, never gained a foothold on the match as he replaced Antoine Griezmann. 3
Vargas
Slotted onto the pitch in the 69th minute, the 20-year-old wasn’t quite at his sharpest but helped keep the ball moving. 4.5
Cubo
Got another look in the first team after scoring a debut goal against Valencia earlier this month and challenged Radu with a shot that went just wide before he forced the keeper into a save from a header. 5.5
