Luis Suarez bagged a brace as Atletico Madrid sealed an extraordinary 2-1 comeback win over Getafe on Tuesday.
Atletico Madrid left it late to secure an important 2-1 victory over Getafe on Tuesday. The win helps them move on top of La Liga league table momentarily, with the table likely to change once Real Madrid face Mallorca on Wednesday.
As the scoreline suggests, it was another difficult game for Atletico Madrid, who lacked sharpness going forward. They were unable to create too many clear cut scoring opportunities, with the struggling Getafe putting up quite a fight defensively. Goalkeeper David Soria, in particular, had an excellent game in between the sticks.
Getafe were the better side during the first half, scoring a deserved late opener, which was credited as an own goal from Jan Oblak. Unfortunately, their chances of holding on to all three points were sabotaged by a 77th minute red card for Carles Alena, effectively leaving them with ten men during the final phase of the game.
Atletico did what they do best, score twice late in the game, with Luis Suarez scoring a quick-fire brace to help his team seal all three points. And here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the Atletico Madrid players in their hard-fought win over Getafe this midweek.
Jan Oblak: 5/10
It was one of those rare evenings for Jan Oblak when he failed to provide the assurance in between the sticks. In fairness, he had quite the stinker against Getafe, making three mistakes in a space of ten seconds to help the opposition score the opener. A rare collector’s item, this performance.
A Jan Oblak mistake leads to a Getafe goal, and has Atletico trailing at half-time ?
Not something you get to say everyday ? pic.twitter.com/mV8GQPkEfY
— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) September 21, 2021
Kieran Trippier: 5/10
Kieran Trippier was reinstated in the right-back role of a traditional back four. It had a negative impact on his natural game as the Englishman struggled to make his presence forward, lacking the freedom he would usually get when operating as a wingback. A disappointing game for the former Burnley man.
Stefan Savic: 7/10
Stefan Savic did not defend badly at all, at the heart of the Atleti defence. His imposing presence was always an obstacle for the Getafe attackers, who did cause problems going forward but were unable to create clear cut opportunities.
Jose Gimenez: 7/10
Jose Gimenez, too, impressed alongside Savic in the four-man backline. His ability to read the game was extremely useful when dealing with the opposition counter-attacks. He was solid in possession as well, helping Los Colchoneros safely play out from the back.
Renan Lodi: 5/10
Renan Lodi was not able to make his presence felt in the left-back position. Much like Trippier, he was unable to progress forward with the ball, especially with Yannick Carrasco also occupying the position on the left flank. He was effectively subbed off during the hour mark.
Marcos Llorente: 6.5/10
Marcos Llorente was asked to play a more central role in midfield. The Spaniard did well, but it was certainly not his best performance for Atletico Madrid. He failed to constantly keep the Getafe defence under pressure using his flexible movements in the final third and the ability to produce crosses into the box.
Hector Herrera: 6.5/10
Filling in for the injured duo of Koke and Geoffrey Kondogbia, Hector Herrera had a decent game in the middle of the park. He offered solidity, even dropping into a more defensive role if necessary. The Mexican international’s presence was a vital asset for Atletico Madrid midfield.
Angel Correa: 7/10
Angel Correa was one of the few players who were willing to take the initiative and make his presence felt in the final third. However, the Argentine often got isolated and clearly needs to improve his decision-making as well. It was a hard-working performance, nevertheless.
Antoine Griezmann: 5/10
Antoine Griezmann’s struggles continue as the Frenchman failed to make any impact whatsoever in the final third. Had couple of attempts on goal but none of them found the target. In fact, the attacker is yet to find a shot on target since rejoining Atletico Madrid, so his substitution during the midway point of the second half was not a surprise at all.
Griezmann in La Liga this season:
6️⃣ games
0️⃣ goals
0️⃣ assists pic.twitter.com/B3Y6qWNvFZ— Barca Galaxy (@barcagalaxy) September 22, 2021
Yannick Carrasco: 5/10
Yannick Carrasco did not have the best of games on the left hand channel for Atleti. His trademark runs across the defensive lines were missing. It was, in fact, a surprise to see him play the entirety of ninety minutes, though it did tactically make sense after Diego Simeone brought in Mario Hermoso.
Luis Suarez: 8/10
Luis Suarez did not have the best of chances in terms of making his impact felt in the final third. He was devoid of creative support from his teammates and had very few opportunities to score a goal.
But the former Barcelona man showcased his predatory instincts by nabbing the equaliser shortly after Alena’s red cards before eventually sealing the winner in the 89th minute. A classic Luis Suarez performance.
A late Luis Suarez double wins it for Atletico!! ? pic.twitter.com/kZ6e1fcs5m
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 21, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Mario Hermoso: 7.5/10
Mario Hermoso offered more grace and assurance in possession after replacing Lodi during the hour mark. Provided the ball that led to the equaliser.
Rodrigo De Paul: 7/10
Given his performance in the last game, Rodrigo De Paul should have started this game. But he made his impact in the second half after coming on for Trippier, offering more creativity in the final third.
Matheus Cunha: 6.5/10
Matheus Cunha replaced Griezmann in the 67th minute to add more dynamism in the final third. It kept the opposition defenders busy throughout the final phase of the game.
Sime Vrsaljko: N/A
Produced an excellent cross to set up Suarez’s winner. Did not play enough to warrant a rating, though.
