Atletico Madrid 0-1 Barcelona: Player Ratings

After a tough outing against Intercity in the Copa del Rey, Barcelona shifted their attention towards La Liga, where they had to face Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano. The rainy night in the Spanish capital eventually produced an exciting game for all parties involved.

After creating a plethora of chances, Barcelona were eventually rewarded for their efforts in the 22nd minute. Pedri’s move in the final third found Gavi, who bodied Reinildo in the box to assist Ousmane Dembele.

Atleti eventually started to find their rhythm, troubling the Barcelona midfield with quick-fire counterattacks. The Catalan defence should thank their lucky stars as Jose Maria Gimenez missed the goal with a free header.

The second half was one for the ages, as Atletico kept attacking Barcelona. It would not be amiss to call the visitors lucky, too. However, three points are three points as they cruise to the top of the table.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen: 7.5

Incredible performance once again from ter Stegen, who also had the support from his defenders on this occasion en route to a clean sheet.

Jules Kounde: 7.5

Kounde looked comfortable playing alongside Gavi and Dembele as the trip locked up Yannick Carrasco and Joao Felix. He was also extremely clever in possession, quickly distributing the ball back to the midfielders.

Ronald Araujo: 8.5

A bit sloppy and often a bit slow to react — Araujo had a game to forget initial quarter but as one would expect, he was among the best players later on. He made an insane backheel goal-line clearance to deny Griezmann in the 93rd minute.

Andreas Christensen: 9

Christensen was incredibly well-positioned throughout the game and held Barcelona’s backline brilliantly. Prevented at least 3-4 clear-cut chances with quick thinking. Massive performance.

Alejandro Balde: 7.5

Balde’s ability to pierce through the Atletico block proved to be super helpful for Barcelona, who found it difficult to maintain rhythm after scoring.

Gavi: 8

The beating heart of Barcelona’s attack, Gavi was everywhere tonight. His defensive tenacity and pressing made it nearly impossible for Atletico’s midfield to find a way through. He was also proactive in attack, pulling the strings in the final third, and getting a well-deserved assist.

Sergio Busquets: 7

One of the better performances from Busquets this season, at least with the ball. The captain found good chemistry with Gavi and Pedri, and was barely caught in possession.

Frenkie de Jong: 7

A decent first-half from de Jong, whose influence could be seen as Barcelona found their way through Atleti’s midfield easily. Was hooked before the 60th minute, though.

Ousmane Dembele: 7

Yes, Dembele scored the opener and eventual winner. He also led multiple counter-attacks. But could have done so much more damage if he used even half an ounce more of his brain. Singlehandedly killed multiple chances.

Ansu Fati: 6.5

Had a few chances in the opening minutes but was denied by Atleti’s players who were putting his body on the line to block him.

Pedri: 8

Pedri was fielded in a pseudo-left-wing role today, and he did unsurprisingly well. He carved Atleti’s midblock with his ball-carrying and line-breaking passing. Missed the simplest of chances, though.

SUBSTITUTES:

Franck Kessie: 2

Hall of shame cameo from Kesie, who barely put a foot right. Took risks at the wrong time, and then not at all when he should have.

Ferran Torres: 1

Torres influence was barely visible today, but he did well to drop deep every now and then to recycle possession. Earned a very foolish red card, though, for wrestling with Savic.

Raphinha: 6

Was used on the left-wing, and his brilliant defensive work rate helped Barcelona regain a bit of control. Should have done better with his ball-striking, though.

Sergi Roberto: 5

Brought on in midfield, did fairly well to add some much-needed mobility.

Marcos Alonso: 5

An actually decent cameo as he ran himself to the ground to help Barcelona maintain the lead.