Ratings: Julián Álvarez nabs late winner as Atlético top Celta

Oblak

His diving save against Iago Aspas — and another one on a point-blank header from Borja Iglesias — kept Atlético Madrid in with a chance to win. Celta Vigo increased 1.37 expected goals for the game but finished with none as Oblak turned back the clock at Balaídos. 7.5

Molina

Had a lot of problems passing and defending under pressure. Crossing was below par and he lost half of his duels between air and ground. 3.5

Giménez

Stretched the play with its successful distribution out wide. Made several important clearances and didn’t pick up a single crowd — although the Uruguayan did pick up a booking for dissent. 6.5

The Norman

Patient on the ball, sometimes too patient, and often looked to force the issue with a slicing ball or run through midfield. Misplaced only four passes but was too foul-happy. 6.5

Reinildo

Had an entertaining battle with Borja Iglesias, and the defender somehow picked up a booking minutes after the Celta Vigo forward delivered a shoulder check to him in the first half. More cautious thereafter, and drew three fouls thanks to some clever play. 4.5

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Giuliano Simeone

The coach’s son made his first start for Atlético’s first team and ran dutifully for just over an hour, but he struggled to get involved in the attack and was caught out a couple times in defense on the left side. 4

Llorente

Spent time in central midfield as part of an unusual double pivot alongside Conor Gallagher. A quiet night for the usually-explosive Llorente, unable to make many of his penetrating runs down the right but working hard to make nine recoveries. 4

Koke

Couldn’t dictate the tempo for Atlético, and Celta played through him two easy during a poor first half. Julián Álvarez replaced him early in the second half in what proved to be a decisive substitution. 3.5

Gallagher

Able to draw crowds and put his body on the line — at times, the only player holding Atlético’s midfield together. Made several key defensive interventions and won a game-high eight duels. 6

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Griezmann

Created Atlético’s strongest attacking moments with passes into the box and movement off the ball. His pin-point cross to Alvarez resulted in the winning goal and a huge three points entering the derby against Real Madrid. 7.5

Sørloth

Opted to receive the ball with his back to goal, but had trouble controlling passes, frequently losing possession. Combined with the sparse number of crosses into the box, the striker barely had chances. 4

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Alvarez

Hunted for chances and scored the winner on 90 minutes after beating Fran Beltrán to poke the ball into the back of the net. 7.5

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Riquelme

Came on for Giuliano Simeone in the second half. Had Atlético’s first shot on target in the 79th minute, struggled a bit defensively but presented himself as an eager attacking option. 5

By Paul

Added some needed creativity to the midfield and provided passes to attackers with his fresh legs. 5

Correa

Came on for Molina late in the match. The Argentina couldn’t do much in its limited time. N / A