Ratings: Atlético pull off a surprise win at Barça and move to the top of LaLiga

Atlético Madrid moved to the top of La Liga with an impressive 2-1 away win at FC Barcelona. Los Colchoneros had never won an away win against the Catalans under Diego Simeone before, breaking an 18-year-old curse of no wins.

In a game completely dominated by the young and dynamic Barça midfield, a victory for Los Rojiblancos seemed out of the question at half-time. Atleti had yet to undo a single away game by conceding their first goal this season, and the last time they did so was away to Barcelona in 1987.

Jan Oblak prevented the home side from taking the game beyond Atleti, allowing Rodrigo De Paul to equalize and Alexander Sørloth to secure victory at the crucial moment, sparking celebrations on the red and white bench. The victory is Atleti’s seventh consecutive victory in LaLiga and 12th in a row in all competitions.

Player ratings

Jan Oblak 9: All hail the great San Jan. Without him, this would have been an embarrassing loss.

Marcos Llorente (substituted in the 73rd minute) 5: Had little to do with Barça’s attack being aimed at the opponent’s flank. Couldn’t escape and march to the right like we’re used to seeing him do.

Josema Giménez (51′) 7: The reason why the halftime deficit was only one goal. Always present to clear at the last moment to prevent Atleti’s blushes. Was asked for a substitution at the start of the second half.

Clement Lenglet 7: In the game against his parent club, the Frenchman put in another performance that keeps Robin Le Normand out of the starting line-up for the time being.

Javi Galan 4: Was completely bypassed by Raphinha as Barcelona wanted to identify him as a weak link. Was saved several times by his central defenders and his goalkeeper.

Giuliano Simeone (62′) 4: Wasn’t his game as the flow of the game was mainly down the left side of Atleti.

Rodrigo de Paul 7: El Motorcito was completely outplayed by Pedri in the first half, but scored his third league goal of the season with his team’s first shot on goal, leveling the game.

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Pablo Barrios 6: Playing against other young Spanish midfielders, it was shown that Barrios is still a step away from being able to participate in the same conversation as Pedri and Gavi.

Conor Gallagher (62′) 5: Gets stuck helping Galán in a deep position, limiting his contribution to the game. Showed some nice touches and changes of play when Atleti tried to play out from the back.

Antoine Griezmann (73′) 5: El Principito’s losing streak against his former club continues. His influence was thwarted by a young and dynamic Barcelona midfield. It’s time to get a good mid-season break before he (potentially) begins his final months at the club.

Julian Alvarez 6: His attacking run down the left gave de Paul the opportunity to equalize. Apart from that, the Argentine could do nothing but hold on with his back against the wall.

Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images

Subs

Axel Witsel (51′) 7: Held his ground, albeit shaky, to keep Robert Lewandowski calm for the rest of the game.

Koke (62′) 5: Our captain was called upon to form another line of defense. He took a lesson from Dani Olmo but remained determined when absolutely necessary.

Nahuel Molina (62′) 7: Has provided the assist for the winning goal in the last two games, reinforcing his claim for a place back in the starting lineup.

Alexander Sorloth (73′) 7: The Norwegian scores the winning goal (again) and uses (again) a great cross from Molina to (again) excuse his previously missed great opportunities. In his first 18 games in this jersey, his goal contributions have earned Atlético an additional 12 points.

Robin Le Normand (73′) 6: Came as part of a three-man defense that gave order and structure to a tiring Lenglet and an uncertain-looking Witsel.