Coming off of a convincing 4-2 win against Espanyol over the weekend, Los Rojiblancos were able to extend their Champions League campaign thanks to a second-half volley from Johnny Cardoso and a hat-trick from Alexander Sørloth.
Here’s how each player rated after the team’s thumping 4-1 win at home against Club Brugge.
Oblak
From the opening whistle, Oblak was swift to come off his line to intervene on any balls into the box or get the play started with his distribution.
He took no time to load up his lofted restart to Sørloth in the 23rd minute, giving the striker enough isolation against Brandon Mechele to create his first-half goal. Though he conceded to Joel Ordóñez on 35 minutes, his efforts to deny attackers like Hugo Vetlesen kept the opposition from tallying any more goals in the Metropolitano. Without his decisive saves, the match could have ended very differently. 7
Llorente
Worked efficiently on both ends of the ball, getting forward whenever possible but being sure to track back to prevent Brugge from breaking down the righthand side. The Spaniard’s combination play with Giuliano opened up possibilities for crosses or cutbacks into the midfield. Another well-rounded performance. 6.5
Pubill
Stayed patient on the ball and distributed out of the opposition’s high press. The defender was unable to prevent the flick onto Ordóñez in Club Brugge’s first-half goal, but worked to prevent any attacks down the middle in much of the second 45. 6
Hancko
The defender has been the centerpiece to Diego Simeone’s backline all season and today was no different. Whether you need a goal-preventing block or a sweeping intervention to plug up holes coming from the left, Hancko is your man. His consistency has been vital in a season that has been anything but. 7
Ruggeri
The Italian was often too easily beaten by Carlos Forbs on the flank, gifting the Belgian side some of their best chances in the final third. However, the defender did find some saving grace in the final minutes of the match with a pinpoint cross toward Sørloth, who finished off his hat trick. 4.5
G. Simeone
It’s easy to take for granted the type of effort that Giuliano puts into each match. He never seems to slow down with his hounding defensive pressure and eager pushes forward. His work today produced multiple crosses into dangerous areas and pulled Brugge defenders wide to open up the midfield. 7
Cardoso
A tale of two halves for the American. In the first, Cardoso left Ordóñez unmarked in the box which resulted in an open header past Oblak. After halftime though, he took back the lead with a thunderous volley past Simon Mignolet and made some crucial defensive stops to block chances from the middle. 6.5
Koke
Slotted next to Cardoso, the veteran midfielder worked to spread the ball wide and shift the opposition from side to side. His distribution enabled the team to slowly build from the back when the counter wasn’t on and give a variety of players looks on the ball. 6
Baena
Had moments of quality, including a few dangerous passes into the box, but really couldn’t solidify himself in the match. Additionally, his poor giveaway in the first half won Brugge the corner that produced the equalizer. 4
Sørloth
The Norwegian continues his great run of form, putting three goals past Mignolet and pushing Atlético into the Champions League round of 16. His performance presented all of his strengths; physicality, lethal finishing and great holdup play. With showings like these, I think Sørloth needs to stay in the starting XI. 10
Alvarez
Posted one shot in an all-around quiet match up top. The Argentine was taken off for Antoine Griezmann in the second half. 4
Subs:
Griezmann
Came on for Alvarez up top and linked with Lookman to help set up Sørloth’s second goal. A strong impact from a player who has been increasingly linked to the MLS as of late. 6
Molina
Added another defensive presence in the lineup after replacing Koke in the 70th minute. His fresh legs helped to win possession and push the ball forward when it was available. 5
Lookman
After his one-two pass with Griezmann in the box, Lookman quickly cut the ball back to an open Sørloth who was able to calmly finish the play. The Nigeria star continues to shine for his new club. 6
Giménez
Came on late for Giuliano Simeone to bolster the defense and finish out the match. N/A
Mendoza
Replaced Cardoso with ten minutes left. The midfielder couldn’t do much in such limited time, but showed a couple clean touches. N/A
