Atletico Madrid player ratings as goals from Yannick Carrasco and Angel Correa fired them to a crucial 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in La Liga on Wednesday.
Atletico Madrid took a major step towards lifting the 2020/21 La Liga crown when they defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Wednesday night.
Diego Simeone’s men were quick off the blocks against La Real with Luis Suarez and Marcos Llorente getting chances early in the game before Yannick Carrasco found the back of the net just 16 minutes to put his team in front. Twelve minutes later, Atletico Madrid were two goals to the good as Angel Correa finished past Alex Remiro after being played in by Luis Suarez.
Real Sociedad did come close to cutting into their deficit before half-time but Jan Oblak made a couple of smart stops to deny Alexander Isak and keep his side’s two-goal cushion intact. Post the break, they had a few chances again, but Portu was denied by Oblak while he hit the woodwork on one occasion, with Atletico holding on to their lead.
Substitute Igor Zubeldia did manage to pull one back for La Real in the 83rd minute but they were unable to find the leveller in the final stages as Los Rojiblancos held on for a crucial win that sees their lead at the top of the table stretched to four points over Barcelona who were held to a 3-3 draw by Levante.
The Colchoneros are also five above Real Madrid, who play Granada on Thursday night hoping to keep their title chances alive. Here are our player ratings for the Atletico Madrid stars in what was a pivotal result in the race for the La Liga title.
Jan Oblak: 7.5/10
A fine outing for the Slovenian, who made two very good saves to deny Alexander Isak in the first period before tipping away Portu’s effort after the half-time break, among a few other straightforward stops. Not a lot he could have done to stop Zubeldia’s goal but played a huge role in keeping Atletico alive in the contest.
? – Oblak once again important for Atlético Madrid. This time with a quick reflex at the near post. pic.twitter.com/gjwTqxN8ji
— ??? ???? ? (@TheEuropeanLad) May 12, 2021
Kieran Trippier: 6/10
Looked to push forward in the first half but pegged back deeper as the game wore on, with Real Sociedad improving, especially after half-time. Gave away the corner from which Zubeldia scored. Managed one key pass and three interceptions.
Stefan Savic: 6.5/10
A largely solid display from Atletico Madrid’s defensive mainstay as he kept the visitors’ attack in check, while making good use of the ball when in possession. A good block to deny Jon Bautista a goalscoring opportunity.
Felipe: 6.5/10
Much like his defensive partner, the Brazilian was assured at the back despite Alexander Isak threatening to break away on a couple of occasions. Produced three tackles and two clearances but his distribution from the back was a bit of a letdown.
Mario Hermoso: 6.5/10
Did his bit on the left side for Atletico, ensuring that the spaces left behind by the marauding Carrasco weren’t always exploited by La Real. Not as crisp as he usually is with the ball at his feet, but made a game-high five clearances to ensure his team came out on top.
Marcos Llorente: 8/10
No player has provided more assists in La Liga this season than Marcos Llorente (11).
He’s also scored 12 goals. ? pic.twitter.com/FTvWKHUcKZ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 12, 2021
Lively from the word-go, the former Real Madrid man created a chance for Luis Suarez early on before having an effort saved himself. Got the assist for the opening goal with a good pass to Carrasco. Was a major influence going forward for Atletico Madrid as he produced a game-high three key passes while he was equally important off the ball, making four interceptions (highest on the night) and four clearances as well. Such an asset.
Koke: 7/10
Solid, if not spectacular in the centre of the park form the Atletico Madrid captain. Pressed the opposition well to break up play and regain possession and hardly picked a wrong pass when he had the ball at his feet, playing a key role in his team staying in front. Completed 90% of his passes, made one key pass along with a couple of tackles and a clearance.
Saul Niguez: 6.5/10
May not have made a telling impact on the proceedings but it was still a promising display filled with energy from the Spanish international. Made some aggressive runs forward and tracked back effectively to provide numbers at the back when his team needed it. Won each of the three tackles he attempted, made an interception as well before making way for Geoffrey Kondogbia.
Yannick Carrasco: 8/10
Atletico Madrid take the lead through Yannick Carrasco! ?⚪
That could be a massive step towards title glory for Simeone's side ? pic.twitter.com/DMWYY5Hx1O
— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) May 12, 2021
Another game, another goal for the Belgian attacker, who has been crucial to Atletico in this final run-in period, as he found the back of the net just 16 minutes in to get his team up and running. Got forward with great intensity and purpose throughout while also dropping deep to defend when Sociedad were on the ascendancy. Completed three dribbles, along with a tackle and an interception.
Angel Correa: 8/10
Another lively display at the top from the Argentine, who harried the Real Sociedad defenders with his pressing and intensity while causing problems with his movement. Took his goal brilliantly to make it 2-0, while also created a couple of chances for his teammates over the course of the game. Chipped in with three tackles and three interceptions as well, in what was a solid, all-round display.
19 – Ángel Correa ?? has been involved in 19 goals this season in all competitions (eight goals and 11 assists), more than in any other campaign for @atletienglish. Angel. pic.twitter.com/lUuJndlTHM
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 12, 2021
Luis Suarez: 6/10
Has not looked quite at his best since returning from injury which was the case yet again on Wednesday. Made some good movement but needed to do better with the chances that came his way on either side of half-time. Good through ball to set Correa up for the goal, though, which bumps his rating up slightly.
SUBSTITUTES
Joao Felix: 5/10
Replaced Correa in the 73rd minute. Spent most of his time trying to defend as Atletico Madrid looked to protect their lead.
Geoffrey Kondogbia: 6/10
On for Saul with a little over 15 minutes left. Played his part in helping Atletico keep their noses in front under pressure form the visitors.
Renan Lodi: N/A
Came on in place of Suarez with less than 10 minutes left.
