Atlético Madrid
secured a late win at Anoeta, beating Real Sociedad 3-0 on Sunday night.Goals in the last 10 minutes from an Alejandro Grimaldo penalty, a cool Jonathan David finish and a Giuliano Simeone bursting run gave Atleti the win after what had been a turgid match. A change in formation on 60 minutes seemed to give the team more structure after the starting lineup appeared difficult to decipher and looked without ideas.
Here are Into the
Calderón’s player ratings from this one.
Player ratings
Jan Oblak: A shaky moment in the first half when he miscontrolled the ball, conceding a corner which led to a string of opportunities for La Real. Saved well from a free-kick and cleaned up a through ball with a good headed clearance. Didn’t have much to do aside from that, and a clean sheet is always welcomed. 5
Marc Pubill: Playing as kind of a right-back, kind of a center-back, Pubill was present in many parts of the pitch. Apart from a miscommunication in the first half, he played a solid match. 5
Cuti Romero: As long as he can remain drama-free, the Argentine is going to be an extremely important player from Atleti this season. His jerarquía at the back is much-needed; his experience a key element to keeping more clean sheets in future matches. 6
Alejandro Grimaldo: Scored the penalty that gave Atleti the lead but was given the runaround by Ander Barrenetxea for a large portion of the match. That ended when the Real Sociedad player was substituted, and from that moment he was able to venture up the pitch more often. Still disappointed with his delivery into the box, the one supposed part of his game that is meant to separate him from the rest. However he did pick up an assist for Giuliano’s goal. 6
Giuliano Simeone: Was a beneficiary of the tactical change on the hour mark when he began to play in a more traditional forward role. Before that he looked lost — unsure of where to go and what to do. The desire he showed to sprint through the Real Sociedad defence by himself and score to put the game beyond all doubt in the final minute of the game was impressive. The goal should keep the critics quiet that his father was asked about in yesterday’s press conference. 5
Marcos Llorente: Ambiguously positioned and unable to have any real impact on the match. Cut a dejected figure after being subbed off, and showed an unhappiness toward teammates at times. 4
Morten Hjulmand: Did his job of sitting deep, but failed to demonstrate any connection with players further forward to develop constructive attacks. Involved in a mix-up when defending a corner in the first half that almost cost a goal. Had a couple headers that weren’t far off dropping in which is a positive sign that he possesses that threat. Improved when the assured Koke came on beside him. 5
Ademola Lookman: Definitely looked more comfortable after 60 minutes when the team reverted to a more recognisable 4-3-3. His partnership down the left with Grimaldo is one that needs to improve, but feels like it has the chance of working very well if it ever gets going. 4
Álex Baena: Has been hot in various matches this season but today was one of his colder displays. A nominal attacking option, he spent a lot of the match trying to influence from deep. It didn’t work. 4
Kang-In Lee: Started with a spark and looked as if he would be the most likely Atlético Madrid player to make something happen in the match. Had some decent attempts in the first half but then went very quiet in the second, almost non-existent. The resigned facial expression he wore on the bench after he left the pitch was worrying. 4
Substitutions
Koke: Gave a little more structure to the midfield when coming on, allowed to move between a pivot and mediapunta role. Continuing to be a crucial part of this side, playing yet another season in red and white. 6
Johnny Cardoso: Mostly tidy, he’ll be disappointed with the way he struck a shot on goal after coming on. Terry Gibson on LALIGA TV said he was “worried” for Cardoso’s position in the team with the signing on Hjulmand and form of Barrios, but he’s a bloody solid option to have off the bench with depth being important for a long season competing in multiple competitions. 5
Jonathan David: The relief in the celebration said it all, the Canadian is off the mark. Worked his goal well and finished it very comfortably with his left foot. Hopefully the first of many helpful contributions this season. 6
Arnau Ortiz: I did sigh when seeing him come on, no fault of his own, but he had an instant impact with a positive run through the middle of the pitch before laying it off to David who had a shooting chance. I’d like to see a better option signed in the January market. 5
