Ratings: Llorente drives Atlético Madrid forward in romp over Girona

Oblak

Girona looked to take advantage of pouring crosses into the box, keeping the Slovenian on his feet throughout the match. Although the Catalans failed to muster many good chances, Oblak stood tall with four saves and grew more confident as the game moved along. 6

Lino

The Brazilian’s two shots in the opening minutes of the game were a precursor for what was to come. Lino continued to push forward, connecting frequently with Riquelme to cause trouble on the left-hand side. 7

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Azpilicueta

Found a pocket of space to work out of when the team found spouts of possession. His distribution out wide made headway for the team to push the ball forward. Defensively, the center-back was superb positionally, making five clearances and winning four ground duels. 7

Giménez

A rock at the back with seven clearances and two blocks. Atlético Madrid’s defense is simply much more solid when Giménez is healthy. 7.5

Le Normand

The former Real Sociedad man quick-started what would become the squad’s opening goal with a booming clearance forward. Made three tackles and six clearances to go with six ground duels won. 7.5

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Llorente

Had success in subduing Miguel Gutiérrez and Bryan Gil as they attempted to find the endline. While on the ball, the Spaniard certainly made a statement with a thunderous second-half goal. After finding space out wide, he drove forward from behind the halfway line and struck a blistering shot past Paulo Gazzaniga. In the final minutes of the match, he linked with Koke to set up the team’s third goal. 8

Riquelme

Attacked with the ball whenever he had the chance, although he suffered from tunnel vision at times. His efforts gave him opportunities in dangerous areas. His connection with Lino on the left flank was evident throughout the game and will be interesting to see as it continues to develop this season. 7

De Paul

Picked up a sloppy yellow early in the match after a push on Daley Blind. Worked to distribute the ball but couldn’t find those threatening passes into space that he normally likes to exploit. 4

Barrios

A strong performance on both ends of the ball. Offensively, Barrios kept possession with precision, completing 47 of his 50 passes. While defending, he totaled five tackles, two interceptions, and four clearances. His strength to hold onto the ball late in the second half helped set up Koke’s strike just before the final whistle. 8

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Alvarez

The striker couldn’t find chances to score himself but showed hunger in his efforts to press and make runs. His pressure on Gazzaniga in the first half forced the keeper into handling the ball outside of his penalty area — normally a red card offense, but one that instead warranted just a yellow and set up Antoine Griezmann’s free-kick golazo. He also touched the ball on to Griezmann before the Frenchman assisted Llorente’s missile of a goal with his next pass. 6

Griezmann

Took full advantage of the opportunities presented to him, whipping his free kick into the back of the net in the 39th minute and then acrobatically switching the play to assist Llorente in the second half. That direct free kick goal was Atlético’s first in LALIGA since January 2021. 7.5

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Subs

Gallagher

Making his debut for the team, the Englishman was aggressive and looked eager to make an impact. His fresh legs added energy into the game and provided some solid runs forward. 5.5

Koke

The veteran added some familiarity in the middle of the pitch and helped to plug holes defensively. His tap-in iced the game in added time. 7

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Reinildo

Replaced Lino and combined well with Gallagher on the left — potential a promising connection there. 5

Correa

Tried to turn into counterattacking opportunities and used his fresh legs to aid in the effort that ended in a clean sheet. 5

Sørloth

Similar to Correa, his chances on goal were limited as the team buckled down defensively. 5