Atlético Madrid ended the season in low-key fashion, but got the draw they needed to ensure automatic qualification for next year’s Champions League against Granada on Saturday evening.
While the home team celebrated survival in La Liga for another year, the Atleti players can go off on their holidays safe in the knowledge that they have met their target for the season, despite an underwhelming attacking performance.
Read on to see how we rated the players:
Jan Oblak – 7
Secure as always. Didn’t have any saves to make, but was alert from the first minute and took the sting out of the game early on with a couple of good catches. Our number one for next season.
Juanfran – 6
Solid in defence, but not a vintage performance from Juanfran. With Arda missing, he would probably be looked upon as our main attacking outlet other than Griezmann, but didn’t really get involved.
Diego Godín – 7
Probably the one player who has performed at a high level consistently throughout the season for Atleti. Granada didn’t attack much, but when he dealt with everything he had to when called upon. Hallmark of a great defender.
João Miranda – 7
In what was potentially his last game for Atleti, we saw the version of Miranda that all fans should remember when he inevitably does move on. Calm, composed and always one step ahead, leaving very little for Granada’s front men.
Guilherme Siqueira – 6
Against his old club, Siqueira didn’t show the type of energy and endeavour that made him a favourite with the Granada fans. Probably offered more of an outlet than Juanfran, but couldn’t build on his improved recent run of form.
Gabi – 6
Helped Atleti gain control of the midfield, but never loked likely to open up the Granada backline or make a mark on the game in an attacking sense. As much as it hurts to say, our captain probably needs upgrading next season if we are to push on.
Tiago – 6
See above. Tiago works better in high intense games rather than ones where Atleti dominate possession, but with one year left on his contract he will still be useful to have around next season. At 34, was this his best season in red and white?
Koke – 7
His form has dropped in the last few months, but he was probably our best midfielder today. He was one of the few looking to make things happen and created our best chance for Griezmann, but his teammates weren’t on his wavelength for the most part.
Saúl Ñíguez – 6
Quiet game for Saúl, who didn’t really do anything of note bar a few nice first time passes. Have to say, we’re not totally convinced with him in the more forward role, and would like to see him in the pivot next year.
Antoine Griezmann – 6
After a rip-roaring run of form in April, the Frenchman has seen his season fizzle out and made very little impact in the last few games. Did try his luck a couple times in the first half, but again didn’t play with the edge and swagger we have been getting used to from him.
Raúl García – 7
We originally thought Raúl would lead the line in Torres and Mandzukic’s absence, but he ended up showing up more or less everywhere on the pitch. Like Tiago, this type of game doesn’t really suit him, but it wasn’t for the lack of trying.
Subs
Raúl Jiménez – N/A
Jesus Gámez – N/A
Do you agree with our ratings? Who was your Man of the Match?