Ratings: De Paul volleys Atlético Madrid to victory over Celta Vigo
Starting XI:
Oblak
Key stops against Iago Aspas and Fran Beltrán kept the game goalless. Second consecutive clean sheet for Atlético Madrid’s vice-captain. 7
![Atletico Madrid - Figure 1](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XwZPs-o7fJBLebdDRmdH9tNmzZA=/0x0:4886x3257/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:4886x3257):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25444327/2152603025.jpg)
Riquelme
Rewarded with another start after scoring the winner at Mallorca last weekend. Was able to push into attacking positions, with Diego Simeone moving him from left to right to create danger. His crafty dribbling caused issues for Celta. 6.5
Hermoso
Typically aggressive performance, lost more duels than any player on the pitch over the 90 minutes but made up for it with eight passes into the final third and 10 recoveries. 5
Witsel
His aerial presence (five headed clearances) saved Jan Oblak from a bit of trouble. The 35-year-old is ending the season strongly. 6
Savić
Calm on the ball and assured without it, a solid 55-minute showing from the Montenegrin. 5
Azpilicueta
The veteran defender had opportunities to move forward and connect with the energetic Marcos Llorente. His runs to the final third were less apparent in the second half after substitutions. Azpilicueta ended the match with two chances created, one clearance, and one interception. 5.5
![Atletico Madrid - Figure 2](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_POVEe1Bx2TtNoSLvZZdw9BqKJY=/0x0:3124x2083/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:3124x2083):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25444343/2152603034.jpg)
Lino
Floated forward and switched spots with Antoine Griezmann at times for more opportunities on goal. His runs in behind exploited gaps found within Celta Vigo’s defensive line. 7
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty ImagesKoke
Supplied a quality ball over the top to Llorente in the first half to put the fellow Spaniard on goal. Had trouble plugging holes in the middle of the pitch late on, as Celta Vigo found chances on goal from distance. But the captain’s distribution was decisive — he floated in the corner that Rodrigo de Paul eventually lashed in for the game’s only goal. 6
Llorente
Stayed wide on the right, offering Atlético opportunities to stretch the point of attack. He was able to track back on defense as well. Missed a prime chance on goal before halftime with a lackluster shot. 6
Griezmann
The Frenchman only saw glimpses of goal as the fatigue of a long season appears to be catching up with him. 4.5
Correa
His deft movement caused a load of trouble for Celta early on, specifically between their fullbacks and centerbacks. Created a couple chances but attempted just one shot and strayed offside twice in his 61 minutes. 5.5
![Atletico Madrid - Figure 3](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p4twEoUxyUIDB1awXk_lBS3rbNI=/0x0:5629x3753/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:5629x3753):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25444355/2152611376.jpg)
Subs:
Morata
Added some height in the box and won all three of his aerial duels, but he saw two tame headers miss wide of Vicente Guaita’s goal. 5
De Paul
Failed to properly track back and mark Aspas in the second half, giving the Celta captain his best chance to score on the night. Made up for his error in the 84th minute, chesting and volleying a strike into the back of the net with incredible technical grace. 7.5
Photo by Diego Souto/Getty ImagesBarrios
Active and dynamic in the middle of the pitch. The midfielder almost scored himself with an acrobatic shot on goal from a de Paul cross. 5.5
Reinildo
Replaced Riquelme with 15 minutes to go. The defender won all three of his ground duels and appeared assured out of possession. 5
Memphis
Looked ready to attack after coming in for Griezmann. Looked eager to make things happen. Forced Guaita into a sharp save at the near post. 5.5
Poll Mattress Maker of the Match vs. Celta:46%
53%
0%
28 votes total Vote Now