Atlético 1v1: João Félix’s sparks make the difference

Simeone chose not to touch what works and there were no rotations. The Argentinian repeated eleven who beat Manchester United, with the 3-5-2 (or 5-3-2) of the last appointments. A solid version, very unocerista, conceding little until the final stretch, where he did suffer, especially with ten.

cloud: In the first half he hardly had any work to do, beyond being attentive to loose balls that were around the area. In the second he demanded something more from the Lightning. In the 60th minute he made a save on Mario, with one hand down on a shot almost from close range. At the last gasp, he parried Balliu’s final attempt.

Llorente: It takes hold in the right lane. In the first half he didn’t cause much fear going deep down the flank, although in defense he did keep Fran and Álvaro García at bay. He lacked some threat in his band.

Savic: Very safe, without complications and helping Marcos Llorente when Rayo turned down the left wing.

Gimenez: The Uruguayan does not rest. In the first part he clearly dominated his duel with Guardiola. Every time Rayo sought the penalty spot with a cross, the imposing centre-back appeared there. Very good game by Giménez.

reinildo: In his line, very sticky in his duel with Baby. With the ball he doesn’t get complicated, not even when he became the side. In his iron security line.

Lodi: He had a hard time doing damage attacking from his lane. In defense he helped Reinildo a lot in the line of five, but in attack he was barely able to win the baseline. A thumbs up. Substituted with yellow at game time.

From Paul: He continues on his line of improvement, asking for the ball and assuming responsibilities. Skillful and brave to break lines and gain meters. In the 58th minute he leaked a superb pass to Griezmann. Well.

Herrera: Seventh consecutive game in eleven, although this did not complete it. He always gives solutions at the start of plays and represents calm with the ball at his feet. Good performance, although some fatigue was noted.

Boil: The captain tried to spin the plays between the defense and João Félix. In the first half he got it several times, without much danger. In the 49th minute, yes. The midfielder made a wall with João and calmly defined to make it 0-1.

Griezmann: The Frenchman is polishing his partnership with João. His were the first two approaches, a long shot that did not create any danger and a drop shot by his forward teammate that he did not reach by centimeters. In the 58th minute he forgave a somewhat difficult heads-up against Dimitrievski. With the changes he became a left winger.

João Félix: The best sparks of the first half were from the Portuguese, who moved well in the second line. As soon as the second started (49′) he filtered a great pass in the area for Koke to make it 0-1. Without being his best performance, his football moments were decisive and make the difference.

Substitutions for Simeone at Atlético

Kondogbia: He entered in minute 64 with Correa and Suárez. Very solid in midfield. He saw the yellow when cutting off a dangerous attack by the locals.

Correa: Didn’t have much of a spark, other than a few of his match-winning spins. In the 85th minute he saw a red card for saying something to the referee. Suspense.

Suarez: Little punch. He had a chance, but missed it and was offside. He then had a one-on-one with Mario, but he was not successful.

Philip and Beautiful: They entered the added to defend the score. No time.