It was a familiar story for Atlético Madrid on Sunday afternoon, as they were beaten in the Ciutat de Valencia by a relegated Levante side who came from behind to win 2-1.
Simeone watched from the stands as his team’s title dream officially ended, Giuseppi Rossi putting the final nail in the coffin with a last minute winning goal on the counter attack.
Read on to see how we rated the players:
Jan Oblak – 5
Couldn’t do much about either of the goals. For once, not given sufficient cover by his defenders for much of the match. Made a couple of routine stops, but nothing else to really speak of.
Juanfran – 6
One of our best attacking threats in the second half. Was always available on the right and was assured with his dribbling and control, but couldn’t find the telling ball. Perhaps guilty of over-committing and leaving us short at the back.
Jose María Giménez – 5
Showed urgency as we chased a second goal, but was a little rash at times, giving away a silly free-kick on the edge of the box and ignoring some of his defensive duties. Needs Godín alongside him to keep him in check.
Stefan Savic – 6
Had a good chance to put us in front after half-time but couldn’t divert his header home. The only one back at times when Levante countered, not really his fault that we had no over cover but he isn’t a leader like Godín.
Filipe Luís – 6
Like Juanfran, he got forward at every opportunity and was a good outlet, but couldn’t make the difference. We lack a striker who will attack the ball inside the six-yard box, would make a big difference for the two full-backs when putting crosses in.
Gabi – 6
Taken off early, perhaps just to give him some rest given how much he has played lately. One of our better players in the first half, dictating from the middle and leading the side. Could’ve done with him as we chased a winning goal.
Augusto – 5
Didn’t really do anything wrong, but was sacrificed at half-time for the second match running. Can’t help feel that playing him, Gabi, Saúl and Koke is overkill in midfield in games such as these.
Koke – 6
Had a good first half and claimed another nice assist for Torres with a well-timed through ball, and tried hard to make chances in the second half. Set pieces still could do with some improvement.
Saúl Ñíguez – 6
Like Koke, he tried hard to find us an all-important winning goal, but was left frustrated and lacked the creativity to unlock the Levante defence. One who could do with a rest, has played a lot recently and looked a little tired.
Ángel Correa – 6
Hard to see why he was taken off at half-time. Arguably our brightest spark in the first half, and the type of player you wan’t on the pitch when trying to find a goal. Was causing trouble with his quick feet and movement.
Fernando Torres – 6
Took his goal very well, and did a good job of stretching their defence in the first half with his runs and hold-up play. Impact lessened a little in the second half after taking an elbow to the head by David Navarro, but one of our better players still.
Subs
Antoine Griezmann – 6
Didn’t do a great deal, but had probably our best chance of the second half when Mariño saved his one-on-one effort. Perhaps should’ve played from the start, but not sure it would’ve changed the final result.
Yannick Carrasco – 7 (Man of the match)
The one player who really looked dangerous and hungry, which is a little worrying. Came up in all areas in attack, but lacked a little in his end product and was left frustrated as some teammates didn’t appear to be on his wavelength.
Thomas Partey – 6
Kept the ball well and kept the play moving in attack, but didn’t have the same impact as in the reverse fixture back in January. Still, has been one of Cholo’s most used substitutes lately which suggests he has a future at the club.
Do you agree with our ratings? Did anybody deserve to be man of the match?