Atlético Madrid: player ratings vs Barcelona

Atlético Madrid went toe-to-toe with Barcelona in a spectacular, hard-fought match at the Wanda Metropolitano, although the game was decided in the 86th minute by that man Messi.

Oblak

A spectator for much of the first half, watching Ter Stegen's exhibition at the other end. Rakitic did force him into action, but the Croatian's shot was tame and Oblak dealt easily with it. In the second half Barça were more threatening and the keeper had to deal with several long range efforts, one of which he spilled but managed to recover before any damage could be done. There was nothing he could do to stop Messi's precision shot.

Trippier

In charge of the dead-balls, he sent in several dangerous crosses, one of which Morata headed goalwards only for Ter Stegen to save (again). Solid against Griezmann he was strong defensively, but he looked less and less dangerous going forward as the match progressed.

Felipe

Absolutely focused and strong in defence, he offered near impenetrable resistance to Barcelona's attacks through the middle. Fast to cover and provide an outlet for the ball. A good game from the Brazilian, one of Atlético's best signings of the season.

Hermoso

Atlético nearly went ahead from one Hermoso's crosses, deflecting off Junior onto the post. He should then have opened the scoring, failing to beat Ter Stegen after Joao Felix found him unmarked at the back post with a superb ball. Possibly his best game as an Atlético player, he was solid in defence and looked confident bringing the ball out. Stopped a dangerous Messi effort with his body, but was unable to do anything with the Argentinean's goal.

Saúl

Started the game at left back and gave a fine performance despite it not being his position. A valuable asset for Simeone, who knows he'll give his all no matter where he plays.

Thomas

Picked up a yellow after just seven minutes for a foul on Rakitic. After a poor start he improved and began to take control of the midfield. One of Atleti's best players in the second half.

Herrera

In the midfield alongside Thomas, Herrara is becoming more and more a linchpin of Simeone's set-up. Had a decent shot from distance after 24 minutes looking for the corner, but the ball whistled just past the post. Just after he made a bad mistake losing the ball, leading to Rakitic's first half chance. Strong in midfield, bit with touches of quality.

Correa

Dangerous down the right wing. He was booked after 20 minutes for a foul on De Jong and will miss the Villarreal match. On a number of counter-attacks he made the wrong decision. A poor day overall from the Argentinean who was unable to truly trouble the Barcelona defence.

Koke

Played on the left helping Saúl down the flank. Intense pressure and won a number of balls back from Barcelona to then go on the offensive. While he was solid in defense he was slightly missing further up the park.

Joao Felix

First game back in the starting line-up since his ankle injury. Played a fine ball to Hermoso which should have led to the first goal. Forced Piqué into a yellow card in the first half when he nutmegged the Barcelona defender who reacted by rugby tackling the Atleti man. Was constantly looking to get in behind the Barcelona defender but never had a direct chance on goal himself. Substituted after 67 minutes for Vitolo, much to the disgust of the home crowd.

Morata

Fought constantly with Lenglet. Had a fine header from a corner which Ter Stegen managed to claw away. Incisive in attack and provoked numerous fouls with his speed, one of which, by Piqué should have seen the Barcelona defender pick up his second yellow and his marching orders. Only lacked a goal, which would likely have changed everything, but gave his all for the team.

Vitolo

Came on for Joao Felix after 67 minutes. Was booked for protesting and then should have been sent off for a tough challenge on Piqué.

Lemar

Came on for Correa in the 73rd minute. His error led to Messi's goal. Once again offered the side little.

Lodi

Came on after Messi's goal. Wasted a fine chance to cross in time added on.

Check out Barcelona's player ratings, where Messi doesn't fare too badly.