Amid last-minute injuries and the second leg of a Champions League tie against Spurs on the horizon, Diego Simeone opted to start Saturday’s match against Getafe with an almost entirely new starting XI. The opening half saw a screamer of a goal from right back Nahuel Molina and a controlled performance from the squad. In the second, momentum shifted and temperatures rose, forcing some big saves out of Juan Musso after Getafe were reduced to 10 men. In the end however, Atleti were able to walk away
with a hard-fought win to move two points clear of Villarreal in third place.
Here are Into the Calderón’s player ratings for this one
Starting XI:
Musso
Getting the start after a late injury on Jan Oblak, the keeper had a relatively calm time between the sticks in the opening half, as Getafe struggled to do much of anything in front of net. In the second however, Musso came up big with an early denial in the 47th minute and a diving save in added time against substitute Adrián Liso. His saves single handedly kept the squad’s clean sheet. 8
Lenglet
A good performance for the Frenchman, who racked up six clearances, two interceptions and a tackle. Lenglet was largely focused and kept the positional lapses to a minimum. 6.5
Giménez
As Molina and Pubill moved up the pitch, Giménez remained the central anchor for the defense. His typical physicality and willingness to dive in for a hard tackle helped to clean up any opportunities that seeped through the rest of the defense. His acrobatic block on Luis Vásquez and diving tackle against Martín Satriano were some of the defender’s highlights amid a 10-clearance afternoon. 7
Pubill
Added another option in buildup play and forced a save from David Soria after he got on the end of a bouncing ball in the final third. Was not dribbled past once and won five of six duels before he was taken off with 25 minutes to go in preparation for Wednesday’s game. 7
Molina
What a strike and what a goal from the Argentine, who broke the match’s deadlock early after stealing the ball from Kiko Femenía and whipping the ball past David Soria after just seven minutes. Molina continued to impress offensively, attempting five shots in all. Though he picked up a late yellow card, Molina ended up recording three tackles, three clearances and three interceptions. 8
N. Gonzalez
The midfielder/wing-back showed bursts of energy on his flank, especially in the opening half, and was a frequent option to receive passes on the left. These flashes moved the ball and pushed the attack closer to the final third, but they faded as the match continued. 5.5
Vargas
The former Seattle Sounders player got his first start and put in a solid performance. Aside from a mistimed tackle on Luis Milla that resulted in a yellow, the midfielder otherwise looked collected on and off the ball, passing well and putting in more than one tackle in defense. 6.5
Koke
Moved the ball and switched the point of attack regularly. Led all players in touches with 102 and crafted four key passes. Continues to be a key piece in Atleti’s buildup play at the age of 34. 6
Almada
The Argentine floated in and out of space to receive the ball, but was unable to create much danger in the final third. Had a chance to put a shot on net in the first half but opted to cut the ball back, ending a move that could have made the score 2-0. 4.5
Sørloth
A strange game for the big striker, who had one chance to score but put his header just wide. Picked up a yellow card for (understandably) retaliating against Abdel Abqar and pulling him to the ground after some questionable touching from the defender. Was taken off in the second half for Julián Alvarez as he struggled to cool off. 4
Baena
Produced some of Atlético’s best chances in the match, including an accurate ball into Sørloth and a pass to Molina that arguably should’ve doubled the lead before halftime. In a season where Baena has struggled to show off his creative qualities, this match showed off his ability. 6.5
Subs:
G. Simeone
Subbed into the game for Marc Pubill and used his fresh energy to push up and down the pitch. Decided to pass the ball off to Griezmann in the final third when he probably could’ve finished the ball himself and let Liso get the best of him in the air, forcing a huge save from Musso in the final minutes. 4
Lookman
Came on for Thiago Almada and was involved in the team’s push for a late second goal. Lookman was able to best defenders out wide, but was unable to get past David Soria in the final third — though his shot assist for Griezmann on a classy sequence in the last 10 minutes was a reminder of his talent. 4.5
Alvarez
Looked eager to score after replacing Sørloth up top with a right-footed strike in the box. Forced a save out of Soria, but the strike wasn’t enough to ice the game. 5
Llorente
Took advantage of a fatigued Getafe with his quick dribbling as a right-sided interior. His efforts helped to quickly move the ball up the field and into the final third. 5
Griezmann
Had two chances for himself, with the first being a shot from outside the 18 that drifted wide and the other being a clear opportunity on the counter that he struck into Soria’s hands. 4.5
Disagree with the ratings? Have your say! Let us know on Into the Calderón’s Community Ratings.
