Espanyol 1-1 Atletico Madrid Player Ratings: Puado’s Goal Earns a Crucial Point in Tight Encounter

Atletico Madrid and Espanyol face each other at the RCDE Stadium where they play an electrifying 1-1 in the 29th Matchday of the La Liga. Though the temperature was around 16 degree celsius, things were heated over the pitch.

Both teams came into the match with something to prove on the pitch. Atletico aimed to come back to winning ways after their loss against Barcelona and Espanyol needed a win to keep themselves away from the relegation battle. Espanyol, the hosts, have not lost their last eight home matches in La Liga with three wins and five draws, and on the other side, the visitors have not lost in any of their last three away games against Espanyol, and for these reasons, the match was destined to be an action-packed match.

Atletico fielded themselves in their usual 4-4-2 setup and Espanyol, as usual, made experiments and chose the 4-2-3-1 formation highlighting a balanced approach from both teams.

Madrid was the side that took the initiative to attack and found the back of the net in the very first minutes, which, however, was ruled offside. The attack continued, but Espanyol was tight and tidy defensively, along with making moves offensively. The defenders properly maintained the backline, forcing the Madrid attackers into offside traps on multiple instances.

Though Madrid won a freekick from a dangerous position the defensive wall stood strong. The attack continued and from nowhere Azpilicueta scored a blinder that took Madrid into the lead making it one-nil in favour of the visitors.

Though Javi Puado and Alex Kral made some shots, all of them were blocked. And after this the referee blew the whistle for first half.

“We aimed to block their attacks and counter attacks and we were good at it. I’ve scored in LaLiga after a long time and it has served the purpouse. We are leading 1-0 in the first half and thats good “- said Azpilicueta in a short interview between the two halves.

The second half started with much higher intensity with Espanyol aggressively trying to find an equalizer and get a rythm in the match which they lost. And their efforts bore results when they won the penalty in the 69th minute which was converted by a powerful shot from Javi Puado. Eventhough Oblak properly jumped in the right direction the ball was way out of his reach.

Now that Espanyol found a rhythm, they were seen performing better than how they were in the second half. Stood strong in the defence to secure at least a point and attacked whenever they got a chance. Though the attack did not bring any results, their resilience was key in ensuring that they secured the very important point

At full time both teams shared the point. “I don’t know what’s happening to us, we cant find a win and its a shame” said Jan Oblak in the closing remarks.

Here are the Atletico Madrid vs Espanyol Player Ratings

Espanyol Player Ratings

GK – Joan García – 6.5/10

He was put to the test multiple times in the first half but somehow blocked all the balls that came to him. He was just a spectator when the first goal was scored. After that, he was not challenged much as most of the balls either came directly into his hands or missed the goal by some yards. Made a very important catch in the dying minutes, ensuring that the score remained level

LB – Carlos Romero – 6.5/10

Stood solid in the defence by making some proper blocks at the left wing. Made some key tackles and intercepted whenever required. Was there to support the midfielders whenever needed

CB – Leandro Cabrera – 7/10

Was in the right place at the right time during the freekick winning a penalty for his team that paved the way for their equalizing goal.

CB – Marash Kumbulla – 6/10

Did a fantastic job in the first half by making some proper clearances and interceptions. Made a proper tackle on Samuel Lino in the 21st minute but however a bad after tackle led to his booking that made him restricted for rest of the match.

RB – Omar El Hilali – 6/10

The right-back had a bad day too failing to win most of the duels and losing possession in the key moments of the match. Did not fill the gaps properly in the wings making it easy for the Madrid wingers to easily get past the player

CM – Pol Lozano – 6/10

Was ineffective throughout the match and was subbed off after the first half due to the lack of plays created.

CM – Urko González– 6/10

Had a passing accuracy of just over 70%. Was seen struggling to recover the balls and win the duels and was succumbed by the physicality of the Madrid players

RW – Javi Puado – 7/10

Scored the penalty by properly executing the situation and by keeping his calm. Went to the process, made his mind clear and took a powerful shot that hit the roof of the net.

RM – Jofre Carreras – 6/10

Though he tried his best in getting the ball inside the box he miserably failed. Had just a passing accuracy of 73% and none of the long balls and crosses reaches his teammates

AM – Alex Král– 6/10

Since most of the game was either dominated by the midfield or the Madrid attackers the player barely had any role in the match. Though he made a few dribbles and won some duels he kept moving in and around the midfield third and the attacking third by not contributing much into the defence.

CF – Roberto Fernández – 6/10

Kept pressing the Madrid defenders forcing them to make errors. Made a few shots but most of them went wide or were defended by the Madrid defence.

Sub – Alejo Véliz – 6/10

Sub – Edu Expósito – 6.5/10

Sub – Antoniu Roca – 6.5/10

Sub – Pere Milla – 6/10

Sub – Fernando Calero – 6.5/10

Sub – Álvaro Aguado – NA

Coach – Manolo González – 6.5/10

Motivated the team in the first half break ensuring that the team scored the equalizer and secure one points against the giants. Properly studied the opponents in the first half, identified their strategy, and kept the score 1-1

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Atletico Madrid Player Ratings

GK – Jan Oblak – 6/10

Came into the goal with the momentum of an absolutely stunning performance for the National Team. Was not challenged in the first half. Had just a few easy catches and clearances in the second half which didn’t challenge him at all

LB – César Azpilicueta – 8/10

Made his presence felt in the defence and attack. Took a stunning right-footed shot from outside the box which shook the net marking his first goal after a couple of years. Also made some good clearances and interceptions preventing the opponents from attacking aggressively

CB – Clément Lenglet – 5/10

Did not perform with par to expectations. Lost possession and made missed passes in multiple instances. Though he was involved in multiple. Conceded a penalty that once again made the score back to level.

CB – Robin Le Normand – 6.5/10

Was subject to some serious pressing by the Espanyol attackers to force him into error but the player kept his calm and dealt with the situation well. Properly marked the opponents and stood as a leader

RB – Marcos Llorente – 7/10

Was seen everywhere in the right flank, ensuring most of the passes made by reached a red and white shirt. Was pivotal in ensuring that the opponents did not enter the Madrid territory.

LM – Samuel Lino– 6.5/10

Cleared the some ariel long balls which came in the left flank from the opponent half. Also helped the team to win freekicks both in the attacking and defensive third. Made a brilliant tackle from inside the box stopping a dangerous attack.

CM – Conor Gallagher – 7/10

He was positioned properly to collect the rebounds and make shots on target. However, he failed to meet the target, missing the goal by yards. Was key in the midfield-winning duels

CM – Pablo Barrios – 7/10

Took the defensive responsibility by making clearances from the crosses that came from the opponent’s box. He was integral in winning aerial duels and preventing them from reaching the Espanyol players.

RM – Giuliano Simeone – 7/10

Was dominant in the right flank of the attacking third with a decent amount of touches and passes. Coming to crosses most of them were not accurate. However, the player made some successful dribbles and was key in delivering some short passes

CF – Alexander Sørloth – 6/10

Had a disappointing day as he failed to make impact in any part of the game. Eventhough he had the control of the ball he lacked finishing as all the balls went way wide.

CF – Antoine Griezmann – 6/10

Attempted a freekick from a dangerous area which went straight into the wall. Although he was involved in making a few crosses most of them went far off and did not find any man. Looked great until he came to the final third.

Sub – José María Giménez – 6/10

Sub – Rodrigo de Paul – 6/10

Sub – Nahuel Molina – 6/10

Sub – Julián Álvarez – 6.5/10

Sub – Reinildo Mandava – 6/10

Sub – Rodrigo Riquelme – 6/10

Coach – Diego Pablo Simeone González – 6/10

Properly guided the team in the first half but failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities that could have been tapped in. Plans became ineffective once Espanyol scored

Sportsdunia Player of the Match is César Azpilicueta

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