Atlético de Madrid hosted Athletic Club on Saturday seeking to end a dismal run of form in LaLiga. Diego Simeone named a relatively-strong XI against the Basques, who went ahead through Aitor Paredes’ bullet header from a corner in the 23rd minute.
After sleepwalking through the rest of the half, Atlético rallied in the second as Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sørloth (twice) struck to secure three valuable points before Arsenal come to town in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
After another topsy-turvy match, let’s take a look at the ratings:
Starting XI
Oblak
Conceded early after Aitor Paredes was able to bully his way into the box and send a header into the back of the net. A similar story in the final minutes of the game, when Gorka Guruzeta thumped a header of his own past the Slovenian. Hard to fully fault the keeper, who could do little to stop either. 4
Ruggeri
Though he kept Iñaki Williams quiet, the Italian was unable to involve himself much moving forward in a match that could have used his typical overlapping runs or crosses into the opponent’s box. 4.5
Lenglet
It certainly wasn’t as egregious as his error against Barcelona in the Champions League, but Lenglet yet again has to take some blame for the team conceding. His unnecessary clearance gave Athletic Club an early corner and his poor defending in the box allowed Paredes to escape detection and head the ball home. 4
Pubill
Similar to his counterpart, Pubill could’ve done better in challenging Paredes for the ball that led to Athletic Club’s opening goal. As the match continued though, the center-back made strong defensive interventions that prove why he will be so key against Arsenal in midweek. 4.5
Llorente
Slotted into his now-familiar right back position, the Spaniard did well to slow down the skillful Nico Williams on the flank. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to link up much with Giuliano Simeone as Athletic reduced space in behind. 5
Baena
The former Villarreal man has struggled to live up to the expectations that were placed on him coming into the season, but this match showed the ability that the midfielder has and is capable of delivering. On both of Atlético’s goals, it was Baena’s distribution into the box that set up his teammates. One performance doesn’t change his whole season, but hopefully the Spain international can finish the strong and continue to make a difference like he did tonight. 7.5
Koke
Struggled in the first half to build flowing moves in attack but improved as the match continued. The 34-year-old sent eight passes into the final third and switched the point of attack with his long-range distribution before Obed Vargas replaced him. 6
Barrios
In his first start since February, Barrios presented just what the team’s midfield has been missing. Whenever he got the ball, Barrios looked to dribble forward and close in on goal. He was directly involved in the buildup of both goals in the second half and was an integral part of Atlético’s comeback. But just as quick as he made an impact, the midfielder once again sustained an injury — this time to his left hamstring — that forced him off the pitch. 7
Giuliano Simeone
Sent in a well-placed cross to Alexander Sørloth in the first half when Atlético’s attack was severely struggling. Felt the high pressure of Athletic Club’s defenders which prevented him from breaking down the flank or causing much trouble in on goal. 4
Sørloth
Scored the go-ahead goal in the 54th minute with a composed finish on his favored left foot. His one-two with Baena set up the striker in an abundance of space, of which he quickly took advantage and slotted the ball past Unai Simón. Scored again in the 93rd minute after breaking through Athletic’s defense and putting a powerful shot into the net to make it 3-1. 8
Griezmann
Brought the game level in the 49th minute after getting on the end of a deflected Baena cross, scoring his first LaLiga goal since December. 6.5
Substitues:
Cardoso
Came on after Barrios picked up his injury and added a stronger defensive presence just minutes after the team scored their second goal. 5
Molina
Replaced Llorente at right-back. In added time, the Argentine sent a beautiful through ball to set up Sørloth, but he let Guruzeta get the best of him in Athletic Club’s quick-fire response. 6
Nico Gonzalez
Coming off a brace earlier this week, Nico rightfully earned time on the pitch in this match. His eagerness to get on the ball was evident, but the Argentine spent most of his time behind the ball as Atlético hunkered down to retain the lead. 5
Le Normand
Came on in the 72nd minute and added a further defensive presence into the mix. Used his energy to clear the ball whenever he could. 5
Vargas
Replaced Koke in the second half and was able to put in two tackles, two clearances and a blocked shot. 5
