Atlético Madrid scored more than once in a game for the first time in 2026, sealing an eventually-comfortable victory over Mallorca at the Metropolitano.
Despite having the upper hand for virtually the entire 90 minutes, it was not all smooth sailing as the hosts struggled at times to break through a resolute defense. Ultimately, a few quick flashes were enough to seal a deserved win.
Here are our player ratings for the game:
Starting XI
Jan Oblak
A quiet day for the Slovenian is generally a good thing,
and he was rarely troubled today. Had just a single save to make which came in the 78th minute and, while that does not do much to boost his personal rating, I don’t think he will mind. 6
Marcos Llorente
Up there for Atleti’s player of the season simply because of how consistent he has been. Created both goals today, the first with a sweet volley parried into Sørloth’s feet and the second with a well-placed cross that forced an own goal. Remains vital wherever and whenever he plays. 9
Marc Pubill
A regular now and, like most of the defense, was rarely troubled. Had to worry about Vedat Muriqi a couple of times but dealt with him rather comfortably. His best action was probably in attack though, as he linked up neatly with Llorente to set him up for the cross that led to the side’s second goal. 8
José María Giménez
First start since his return from injury and a positive that he saw out the 90 minutes. Comfortable on the ball and spread the ball out without missing a step. Did pick up a yellow card for a late challenge but not troubled otherwise. 7
Dávid Hancko
Much like Llorente on the opposite flank, Hancko continues to be consistent down the left. Comfortably the side’s best left-back and a plus in both attack and defense. Created a bunch of chances in the first half especially as the side searched for a breakthrough. His passing and crossing remain key to unlocking defenses. 8
Giuliano Simeone
Not his best day, with a lot of his involvement limited to set-pieces and long throws. Surprisingly did not complete a single cross, an area where he is usually pretty good. 5
Johnny Cardoso
Beginning to get a run of games this year and he still appears to be finding his feet. A touch off the pace in the first half but threw himself around a bit more in the second and found ways to get more involved. Taken off in the 73rd minute for rotation but does look like he will be a good partner for Barrios moving forward. 6
Pablo Barrios
Also had a relatively quiet first half but really grew into the game in the second. Took control of the midfield and tested the keeper from a shot from outside the area. Not his most spectacular performance but a more mature one as he continues to take more responsibility. 8
Álex Baena
Rough day for him and he struggled for any real output. Did not complete any of his dribbles nor did he manage a single shot. It is not just on him though as the side were tame in the hour that he played, but hopefully he finds the spring in his step soon. 4
Julián Alvarez
One of La Araña’s better performances of late as he showed more impetus early on. Was a live wire hunting down any chance to score, though he never really found any. Diego Simeone came to his defense earlier this week and even left him out there for 90 minutes in the hopes of finding a goal, but the Argentine’s dry spell continues. 6
Alexander Sørloth
The big Norwegian bagged another well taken goal and was perhaps the side’s biggest threat going forward. Positioned perfectly to tap in the rebound following Llorente’s strike and could have bagged at least another with the chances he had. Atleti’s best box threat at the moment and the clearest route to goals. 9
Substitutes
Nico Gonzalez
Was doubtful to start but came on for half an hour. Looked a bit rusty and went into a reckless challenge early on which got him booked. Did provide some energy that Baena lacked which helped spur some attacks, but otherwise straightforward minutes in the legs. 5
Robin Le Normand
Came on to provide a different structure and shore up the backline in case of a late flurry from Mallorca. Thankfully did not need to do much and even had a late chance to score. 5
Thiago Almada
Amid rumors circulating about a move away just six months after his arrival, Almada showed why Atleti would be wise to keep him. Scored from virtually nothing following a set piece with an emphatic strike into the top corner. Looked well pleased to have banged that in as well. Talk about statement goals, eh? 7
Koke
On for rotation to see out the game and did what he does best: kept the ball, maintained the tempo and even had a late chance to score. 6
