A match winning performance from Kieran Trippier was the driving force for Atletico Madrid in their 2-0 win over Sevilla at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Atletico Madrid extend their lead at the top of La Liga table to four points following a hard-fought 2-0 win over Sevilla at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday.
The hosts made a nervy start to the game but grew into the proceedings, in what was an evenly contested first half. Atleti seemed willing to create chances and were even able to find a breakthrough in the 17th minute through Angel Correa. Although the goal did not prevent them from appearing more ambitious in the final third, it was Sevilla who probed the opposition defence far more.
In the second half, in particular, Diego Simeone’s men were more than content in defending their slender one-goal advantage. Some poor finishing from the visitors, coupled with a pinch of luck was enough to seal the victory for Los Colchoneros, who found their second goal in the 76th minute, through substitute Saul Niguez.
Youssef En-Nesyri had a late opportunity to pull one back for his team but his shot was wide of the target. It ensured all three points for the hosts and here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Atletico Madrid players following their win over Sevilla on Tuesday.
Jan Oblak: 6/10
Jan Oblak had to deal with a nervy moment early on but eventually settled into the game. He notably made a first-half block to deny En-Nesyri, which was one of only two instances where he was really tested as Sevilla mustered a total of just two shots on goal. It helped the Atletico Madrid goalkeeper to seal yet another clean sheet.
Stefan Savic: 7/10
Stefan Savic marked his return to the starting lineup with a decent defensive display in the Atletico Madrid backline. Aside from one or two nervy moments, the centre-back was strong in dealing with the Sevilla attackers, using his physical and aerial prowess to good effect.
Jose Gimenez: 8/10
Jose Gimenez recovered in time following his knock against Cornella and it was slightly surprising to see him start. However, the Uruguayan international produced a clinical display at the heart of the Atletico Madrid backline. His imposing presence, combined with his leadership was crucial as Simeone’s men defended a slender one-goal advantage for the most part of the game.
? | FOCUS
José Giménez vs Sevilla:
⏱️ 90' played
? 41 touches
? 1 key pass
? 6 clearances (most)
❌ 2 tackles
⛔️ 1 blocked shot
⚔️ 5/7 duels won
? 0 times dribbled past
? 7.5 SofaScore ratingA strong performance by Atleti's centre-back! ?#AtletiSevillaFC pic.twitter.com/F2JmibTRcR
— SofaScore (@SofaScoreINT) January 12, 2021
Mario Hermoso: 6/10
Unlike his defensive teammates, Mario Hermoso was not quite able to impose himself properly in this game. He had a couple of vulnerable moments on the left flank, defending the Sevilla attackers as well as Jules Kounde. Not the best of games for the ex-Real Madrid star.
Kieran Trippier: 8.5/10
Kieran Trippier enjoyed an excellent night playing Sevilla. He was a complete menace for Julen Lopetegui’s men as he marched forward in the final third and provided some brilliant crosses. The Englishman notably provided the assist for Correa’s opener. Defensively, Trippier was always quick to pressurise the opposing ball-carriers – making him one of the best performers in this match.
Marcos Llorente: 8/10
Another player who excelled against Sevilla, Marcos Llorente was quite influential in the right side of midfield for Atletico Madrid. His ability to make runs in behind the backline and provide the ball progression was truly commendable. He also registered the assist for Saul Niguez’s goal during the final phase of the game.
Marcos Llorente is flourishing in a more attacking role, Luis Suarez has 9 goals in 13 La Liga games, and Thomas Lemar is finally looking like the €70m player Atleti bought just over two years ago.
Credit where credit is due: Diego Simeone is reviving one career after another.
— Top Bins Talk (@TopBinsTalk) January 12, 2021
Koke: 7.5/10
Koke played a key role at the heart of the Atletico Madrid midfield. While Llorente and Thomas Lemar kept gallivanting forward, the Spanish international operated deeper. His main job was to prevent the opposition to dominate the midfield and that he did, showcasing remarkable work ethic and resilience throughout the course of the game.
Thomas Lemar: 7/10
Thomas Lemar had a mixed game on Tuesday. The former AS Monaco star was quite influential going forward, providing excellent ball progression in the final third. Defensively, however, he failed to keep track of Kounde in the second half, which allowed Sevilla to mount the pressure on the Atletico Madrid defence from the left-hand side.
Yannick Ferreira Carrasco: 6.5/10
Yannick Ferreira Carrasco had a relatively uneventful game against Sevilla. The Belgian international did not have too many opportunities to go forward and truly penetrate the opposing defence. That said, he was still a lively figure, pressuring the Sevilla defenders whenever it was necessary.
Luis Suarez: 6.5/10
Luis Suarez produced a rather disappointing performance on Tuesday. Although the striker worked really hard and helped Atletico Madrid sustain a semblance of pressure on the opposing defence, there was a lack of tidiness evident in his performance. He was ultimately subbed off late in the game.
Angel Correa: 7.5/10
Angel Correa deserves full credit for scoring the opener with a brilliant finish around the 17th minute. Aside from the goal, the Atletico Madrid attacker also impressed with his work-rate and willingness to track the ball. A good performance that vindicated Simeone’s decision of starting him ahead of Joao Felix.
Angel Correa on the swivel! ?
A great strike to give Atleti the lead ?⚪ pic.twitter.com/yczBWdoBaW
— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) January 12, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Joao Felix: 6/10
Speaking of Felix, the Portuguese sensation was eventually introduced midway through the second half as Atletico Madrid were desperately needing some creativity in the final third. Unfortunately, the youngster didn’t enjoy himself all too well this evening.
Saul Niguez: 8/10
Saul Niguez also came on midway through the second half and made an immediate impact. He looked quite inspired, providing energy in Atletico’s pressing. The midfielder was eventually awarded with a goal in the 76th minute that sealed all three points for his side.
Lucas Torreira: N/A
A late replacement for Suarez. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Felipe: N/A
A late replacement for Ferreira Carrasco. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
