Simeone opted for a very offensive eleven, returning to the line of four behind with Lodi and Trippier on the flanks, Koke with Llorente back to the double pivot, Lemar, increasingly important and Carrasco on the wings and João Félix and Luis Suárez in attack. The Uruguayan was again finer and left a double with two huge movements in the area. Diego Costa, great news in the return and above with a penalty goal.
Oblak: Elche's first shot was the second goal that fits in the Metropolitan Wanda. Nothing could do the Slovenian, who saw how Boyé finished him only in the small area. Good hand for the shot at the turn of the nine of Elche.
Trippier: Back in the eleven after having his first break of the course in the Cup. This time in a line of four, having to be more attentive to his back and help for Savic. This did not mean that the band stopped rising steadily, putting a high-carat ball for Suárez that ended in the first goal. The Uruguayan only had to touch the ball. Well keeping the position and always adding when it could be shown. He was even involved in the third goal, since he looked for Costa in the throw-in that caused the penalty.
Savic: Back in eleven after a break in the Cup and suffering from pharyngotonsillitis. This time in a rear with four behind, forming the center of the rear with Hermoso and moving further away from the right profile. With Elche very sunk, it was the team's seat belt with Hermoso and Koke. In the goal of the Elche team, he failed to cover the position of Boyé, who had been left alone between Hermoso and Trippier.
Beautiful: With more meters to cover and responsibility in the melee, forming a central pair with Savic. Very attentive to avoid that Boyé, physically stronger, received from behind. This is how he saw the yellow in the first half. With the ball it always adds up. Good game from a player who does not stop growing this season, although the question remains whether he lost Boyé's mark in Elche's strategy goal.
I gave it: League title to return to a defense of four. He steadily climbed the band, taking advantage of Koke's presence from behind to free himself on his side. He left some quality details trying to form numerical superiority with Carrasco. In defense he suffered something else, leaving the site on several occasions and committing unnecessary fouls.
Koke: Midfield plug. With a rear of two centrals, very offensive sides and interiors entering from the inside, his function was to initiate the attacks with enormous tactical responsibility. He released Llorente in attack and closed the center of the field with Savic and Hermoso. With the entry of Saúl and Kondogbia he was able to free himself from so much dark work in defense. He couldn't be seen that much, but he played a key role in preventing the team from breaking down.
Llorente: Back to the past, returning to play in a position closer to the double pivot mainly on defense alongside Koke. He is a wild card for Simeone, who knows that he can put him in any position in midfield or attack with performance. Of course, without losing its diagonals to space to generate danger. He sought the goal with a long shot after a good strategic move. He moved a lot and was important in the pressure, although he could be seen less with the ball.
Lemar: Simeone rewarded his good moment with a new ownership. A lot of mobility and responsibility with the ball, without stopping asking for it and offering it. He is a new player, full of confidence. He sought to start the plays, overflow and test the shot when he reached the last meters. He participated in the beginning of the play of the goal of Suárez. With his twists and turns, he managed to dismantle the tight defense of Elche. He left replaced at 65 minutes after leaving a good performance.
Lemar celebrates a goal with Luis Suárez.
Crossbowmen (EFE)
Carrasco: He started as a left inside, this time with Lodi behind and having to travel fewer meters on the wing. In the first half he was less incisive than in previous games, unable to face in the one-for-one match. But in the second he grew, meeting Lodi and coming into play closer to the rival area. Thus came the second goal, with a tense and precise diagonal center for Suárez's shot. Extraordinary assistance. Replaced shortly after, when Elche had cut distances.
João Félix: Less active than in other games. Apathetic in certain periods of the first half, he set more to the centrals without going down to receive as much and entering less into play. He left a touch of great quality for Llorente in the area, which he finished off from above. For much of the game he moved to the right wing, leaving a gap in the center for Lemar with Llorente. He left replaced with physical problems, perhaps they affected him for that less active version of the Portuguese.
Luis Suarez: More agile in his movements and sharp in the clearing than in the last games, a full week of training has been good for him. The first one he had was awarded a penalty and prepared to shoot it, but as against Granada, the VAR canceled it. The second shot outside from the front of the area and the third went inside. A subtle touch to a spectacular ball from Trippier to open the scoring and find the goal again. In the second half, he saw the door again with another killer move in the area. Uncheck the far post to finish off Carrasco's precise center. He has yet to reach his point of form in certain actions on his back, but he already has seven goals in the League.
Changes to strengthen the environment
Saul: He came in to give midfield more solidity and free Koke from that role in the recovery. In the minutes they had, Atlético played more withdrawn, appearing little with the ball.
Belt: He stood on the right wing to work alongside and collaborate with Trippier. He left some important clearance within his own area. In attack he could not look out to the front of the area.
Kondogbia: More muscle for the center of the field. In the Cup he had had a prominent role, but he returned to the bench. His entry by João Félix meant lowering the lines to protect the result.
Diego Costa: It is a joy to see him again on the pitch and with a goal. He provoked a penalty with minimal arm contact and converted it safely. Overcome a deep vein thrombosis, adds competition up front. Physically he looks thinner and more muscular than ever.
Felipe: Last minutes of the game to return to a defense of three centrals and shield themselves against the lateral centers of Elche. Good folding action to cover Savic's back.