Felipe scored a late winner as Atletico Madrid secured a vital win over Osasuna at the Wanda Metropolitano on Saturday.
Atletico Madrid maintained the pressure on the likes of Real Sociedad, Real Madrid and Sevilla in the La Liga title race after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osasuna on Saturday.
It was not the most clinical display from Diego Simeone’s men, as they struggled to create too many scoring opportunities. Especially in the first half, chances came at a premium for both sides, leading to a cagey affair at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Nothing much changed after the restart, although Atletico were seen pushing forward more often in search of an elusive breakthrough. Osasuna, in response, did create some good chances but never really managed to find the back of the net, allowing Los Colchoneros to further push for a winner.
Their quality finally shone through when Felipe produced a thumping header to find the breakthrough in the 87th minute. It was enough to secure all three points for the home side, and the victory could go a long way in helping them keep up with the other title contenders in La Liga this season.
Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will rate the Atletico Madrid players in their narrow win over Osasuna.
Jan Oblak: 7/10
Jan Oblak had to remain alert in between the sticks, despite the fact that Osasuna mustered only three shots on target in the entire game. He notably made a crucial save during the late stages of the match to deny Kike Garcia, rounding up yet another deserved clean sheet.
7 – Only Osasuna (9) has collected more points in the last five minutes than @atletienglish in #LaLiga this season (7). Felipe ??#AtletiOsasuna #AtleticoMadrid pic.twitter.com/A39ZU01rVk
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 20, 2021
Sime Vrsaljko: 7/10
Filling in for the injured Kieran Trippier, Sime Vrsaljko had a good game in the right-back position. He offered offensive support with his marauding runs forward, often establishing himself as a useful passing option for his teammates in the final third.
Stefan Savic: 6.5/10
Stefan Savic remained solid at the back, preventing the opposition from running the defence ragged. His aggression and imposing frame were certainly an asset for Atleti during defensive phases. He did lack concentration at times but avoided any grave defensive errors.
Felipe: 7.5/10
Felipe was one of the best performers for Atletico Madrid in this game. He was rock solid at the back, winning multiple tackles and making several clearances. Operating at the heart of the backline, the Brazilian was finally rewarded when he headed home from close range to secure all three points for his team.
Atlético's Felipe can sleep well tonight, scored a late winner and nailed the celebration ? pic.twitter.com/uSglqEfSpq
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) November 20, 2021
Mario Hermoso: 7/10
It was a decent defensive display from Mario Hermoso, who operated on the left hand side of the three-man backline. The former Real Madrid man offered the stability at the back whilst doing well in the build-up play.
Koke: 7/10
Operating at the base of the midfield, Koke produced an impressive display. He offered stability, leadership and security in the second line of press whilst dictating the tempo of the game with his crisp passing. His positioning was also useful in helping Atletico stay on top.
Angel Correa: 6/10
Angel Correa wasn’t among the best of performers for Atletico Madrid. He struggled to impose his authority in the final third and simply wasn’t involved enough in the proceedings. The forward was deservedly subbed off around the hour mark.
Marcos Llorente: 6.5/10
Marcos Llorente made a good impression in the final third, using his technical ability to try and make things happen. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to make a telling difference in the proceedings, as Atletico continued to struggle in the creative department.
Thomas Lemar: 6/10
Thomas Lemar had an underwhelming game against Osasuna. He wasn’t involved in the proceedings enough, especially as the game progressed, with the Frenchman eventually making way for Rodrigo De Paul shortly after the hour mark.
Yannick Carrasco: 7.5/10
Yannick Carrasco showed glimpses of his quality, at times, with his explosive runs into the final third. The Belgian even created a couple of excellent goalscoring opportunities but was unable to find the back of the net. Nevertheless, he was one of the brightest attackers for Atletico as he continues to play a vital role for Simeone.
Yannick Carrasco ha ejecutado desde la esquina dos de los tres últimos goles que ha marcado de córner el Atlético de Madrid (vs Athletic Club en la 2020/21 y vs Osasuna).
Desde la temporada 2020/21, nadie ha dado más asistencias a balón parado (falta + córner) que Carrasco (5). pic.twitter.com/PFu8Z4P89f
— Víctor Molina Pozo (@VictorMolina7) November 20, 2021
Antoine Griezmann: 7/10
Tasked with the job of spearheading the Atleti frontline, Antoine Griezmann offered a lot of work ethic in the final third, including his trademark defensive output. Unfortunately, he was never really able to find a proper breakthrough.
Substitutes
Luis Suarez: 6/10
Luis Suarez came on around the hour mark to add more attacking impetus in the final third. However, the former Barcelona man struggled to put together an impactful display.
Rodrigo De Paul: 6/10
Rodrigo De Paul also had difficulties making an impact after coming on for Lemar in the 65th minute. One would expect more from the Argentine international.
Geoffrey Kondogbia: N/A
A late replacement for Llorente. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Matheus Cunha: N/A
A late replacement for Griezmann. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Carlos Martin: N/A
A late replacement for Vrsaljko. Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
