Starting XI
Oblak
Another game without a clean sheet for the big Slovenian, and his goals conceded number continues to grow. Yet, as with most games this season, it’s hard to put him at fault. Oblak was beaten by Pep Chavarria’s goal of the season contender, with a. 1.5 percent expected conversion, then was left completely isolated in a 1v1 with Álvaro García. His luck will change. 6
Molina
A mixed bag. Started in what seemed like a right wing-back position in a 5-3-2 with Marcos Llorente at right centre-back.
He was effective going forward, with many galloping runs and neat link exchanges with the midfield. However, a few docile moments defensively led to the customary concerns. 6
Llorente
This man’s form is beginning to mirror that of the 2020/21 season, where everything he touches turns to gold. Simply sublime. Played an exquisite, looping cross for the opening goal, akin to the one for Nico Gonzalez vs Villarreal, and then was just simply peak Llorente from this moment onward — everywhere, doing everything. 9
Le Normand
Still timid and unimposing with this demeanour and aggression, lacking that aura of authority desired from centre-backs. Was tidy on the ball as usual but let García run off his blindside and put Rayo Vallecano ahead, which could have been very consequential. 4
Hancko
The opposite. Imposing, aggressive and at the forefront of most defensive interventions. He stomps around the pitch like a battle-hardened Viking landing on foreign shores. The left-back experiment needs to end, and so does the Lenglet one; just let this guy take over and dominate the LCB position. 7
Galán
A difficult one, because he covers so much ground and produces so many progressive dribbles through the centre of the pitch or down the byline, but he becomes predictable in the final third and struggles to then deliver an end product. The intense focus and productivity of Atlético down the right flank perhaps explains things best. 5
Barrios
This is not really a criticism but he was completely overshadowed by Koke in the first half, with the veteran still very much showing how it’s done. But Barrios grew into much more prominence in the second half, played many incisive passes and kept things ticking as the midfield was ripped apart and reconfigured by Cholo Simeone’s substitutions. 6
Koke
Starting to believe that this man is ageing like a fine wine. A complete tempo-setter in the first half, though he was caught napping a few times under Rayo’s press. Started to diminish in the second half and was withdrawn shortly after uncharacteristically grabbing Augusto Batalla’s neck and receiving a yellow. He has still got the passion, but maybe not quite the legs to perform immaculately for a full 90. 7.5
Gallagher
Started the game in the left interior of a 5-3-2, which seems like the best place to fit in the anomaly that is Gallagher. He put in a shift which came with the usual tackles and interceptions, and steady passing exchanges. But he still lacks that extra oomph to convince over other midfielders and attackers. 6
Alvarez
Simeone demanded the utmost from Atleti’s “best” player in the presser this week, and he got precisely that from our angelic spider. Alvarez pened the scoring with a delicate and controlled volley, then gobbled up a rebound, and then just when Atleti needed him most, he rocketed in a wonder goal with his left foot from outside the box. Genius. We are already indebted to him. 10
Griezmann
This game probably perfectly showcased what an ageing player performing at the top level looks like. With the ball at his feet, Griezmann is still able to thread through delicious passes and exhibit moments of exceptional ball control and dribbling. But the lack of pace gets routinely punished, and then the jaded mind means less moments of ingenuity and decisiveness that we were so often used to. 4
Substitutes
Giuliano
Introduced in the 54th minute for Molina. Caused all sorts of problems with his pace and tenacity, of course. But lacked that composure and final ball in the pivotal moments. That being said, in an impact sub role, his disruptiveness was more than enough. 6.5
González
Replaced Koke in the 54th minute. Much like Giuliano Simeone, his pace and tenacity was very effective, but he missed a gilt-edged chance in the 58th minute after putting a free header wide. He lost the ball for Rayo’s second goal too. There are many flashes of potential there though. 5
Raspadori
Came on for Galán in the 72nd minute. The diminutive Italian can get suffocated and lost amongst games of high, frenetic pace. Was not very effective but also did not do too much wrong. 5
Pubill
Replaced Gallagher in the 81st minute. Obviously did not have much time to impress but seems a level-headed footballer coupled with great physicality. He ventured into the box a few times despite being deployed on the right-hand side of defence. 5
Ruggeri
Replaced Griezmann in the 85th minute and continued to make me wonder why all the fiddling about with the left-back position. Produced a few good crosses, a few incisive passes and some important defensive interventions. 6
