Atletico Madrid warmed up for the Europa League final with a 1-0 victory away at Getafe. Koke’s early goal was enough for Los Rojiblancos, who never got out of second gear as they all but sealed second place in La Liga.
Once again they were indebted to Jan Oblak, who saved a second-half penalty, as they withstood the home side’s best efforts and Atletico head to Lyon looking to secure Europa League glory against Marseille on Wednesday.
Positives
Seeing Koke back on the scoresheet and Oblak saving a penalty bodes well for the final. Plus, it appears there were no injuries ahead of the final.
Negatives
That Getafe won a penalty goes to show that a previously watertight backline is not quite what it once was.
Manager rating out of 10
8 — Diego Simeone got the win to all but secure second and he avoided any injuries. A good day’s work.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Jan Oblak, 8 — The best around. A low penalty save to deny Faycal Fajr was followed by a late flying stop from a header to ensure Atletico took all three points.
DF Juanfran, 6 — Lucky to avoid serious injury when he was pole-axed after half an hour, Juanfran attacked with gusto and contributed to the move that resulted in Koke’s winner.
DF Stefan Savic, 6 — Won some big headers late on as Getafe launched the ball forward, but the defence never quite looks as solid with him in it. Do not expect him to start against Marseille.
DF Diegio Godin, 6 — No matter how many times Simeone tries to partner them, Godin just cannot play next to Savic. Always looks shaky and, while it was a debatable decision, he gave away the penalty.
DF Filipe Luis, 7 — The best of the backline. It is hard to believe that, under two months ago, he broke a bone in his leg; he gets forward like he has never been away and was also solid when called upon at the back.
MF Koke, 8 — Produced a great finish to notch only his fourth league goal of the season. He needs to contribute more in that department but hopefully this was a timely return to scoring form with Wednesday in mind.
MF Thomas Partey, 6 — Gave away a free kick on the edge of the box that would have Marseille’s Dimitri Payet licking his lips, but was composed and steady apart from that.
MF Gabi, 6 — Full of nous, cunning and experience, though he might be worried about starting in Lyon, given he played the full game here.
MF Saul Niguez, 7 — Put in a huge shift and never stopped running. Should have got the assist his performance deserved when he set up Kevin Gameiro.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 8 — Limited chances in front of goal but his link play was second to none. Teed up Koke for the goal and should have had another assist when he played in Diego Costa for a one-on-one. Griezmann was, unsurprisingly, subbed after an hour.
FW Diego Costa, 6 — Caused problems throughout for the defence and his running battle with Damian Suarez was entertaining. But Costa fluffed a one-on-one in the first half that he should have buried. Like Griezmann, he was subbed to save his legs for Marseille.
Substitutes
Kevin Gameiro, 5 — Has been carrying an injury and looked inhibited in his running; his usual burst of speed was not there. Missed a one-on-one in the closing minutes.
Fernando Torres, 5 — Produced a ‘Torres Special’ finish when he smashed over a volley with the goal gaping.
Angel Correa, NR — Useful on the counter but not helped by the other substitutes’ haplessness.
Joseph Walker covers Atletico Madrid for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter: @Joe_in_espana.
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