Starting XI
Oblak
Came out quickly to try and stop Rafa Mir, but was unable to prevent the attacker from slotting his shot into the back of the net. Had an otherwise quiet match between the sticks. 4.5
Llorente
Forced to make a decision in the buildup to the opposition’s
goal; he opted to provide support for Giuliano as Elche belted down the flank. It was a gamble that Llorente had to take, but one that didn’t work out in the defender’s favor, as it allowed Mir to float right and receive the ball from Álvaro Rodriguez. Llorente grew into the match as it continued, but he missed a chance for an unlikely winner with his left foot. 4.5
Le Normand
Elche targeted him early, frequently drawing him into head-first battles to clear the ball. While in possession, Le Normand was patient, finding passes into the midfield when they presented themselves. 5
Hancko
Showed his quality on the ball with his early assist to Alexander Sørloth, curling his pass to set up the eager Norwegian nicely. His distribution from the back continued to be a threat as the match went on, and he even ventured forward multiple times to present a threat in the penalty area. 7
Ruggeri
While the defender served as a reliable option out wide, the team often worked through the middle to spur the attack. On Elche’s goal-scoring counter, the Italian hustled hard to get back, but it wasn’t enough to stop Mir from leveling the match. 4.5
Giuliano Simeone
Had a promising start, breaking through Elche’s back line multiple times, but his crossing and finishing in the final third were lacking. A first-half look that bounced off the post (and was called back for offside) was the attacker’s best chance to score. 3.5
Johnny Cardoso
Provided stability in the middle of the pitch with his defensive contributions and calm presence on the ball. The American ended his shift with three clearances, three tackles, and three interceptions. 5.5
Barrios
With his first start of the season, Barrios did well to keep the ball moving up the pitch, launching 13 passes into the final third. He was a key figure in the team’s buildup play in the second half, but lacked the precision to create good chances. 5.5
Almada
Frequently found opportunities to steal the ball and push forward. His distribution into the box produced chances on goal for Giuliano and Sørloth in the first half. 5.5
Sørloth
Scored his first goal of the new campaign in convincing fashion after a looping run to beat John Chetauya and a bouncing finish past Matías Dituro. Had an opportunity to double his tally in the 14th minute, but his attempt was stopped by the keeper. 7
Alvarez
A quiet match from Alvarez, who struggled to find much of anything in front of goal despite his efforts. Will look to bounce back next week against Alavés. 3.5
Substitutes:
Gallagher
Replaced Almada in the 68th minute. Tried to draw a penalty after receiving some contact from Germán Valera in the box, but had his appeal denied after a quick review. 4
Raspadori
Aside from showing some strength to guard the ball and send a pass to Conor Gallagher in added time, the Italy international couldn’t do much in front of net. 4
Griezmann
Forced a save from Dituro after replacing Johnny Cardoso in the second half. Has yet to live up to his new “super-sub” role. 4
Galán
Replaced Matteo Ruggeri in the 75th minute. Sent in one or two crosses into the box while on the pitch. 4
Molina
Looked hungry to make an impact on the righthand side, but was unable to do much after coming on for Giuliano. 4
