Ratings: Atlético can’t overcome VAR drama, resolute Betis in rare home loss

After a thumping 5-0 win over Manuel Pellegrini’s side earlier in the week in the Copa del Rey, Diego Simeone and Atlético Madrid were hoping to secure a second win against Real Betis in as many games. But Betis were able to bounce back from Thursday’s poor performance and secure a smash-and-grab victory in the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, as a curling shot from the former Manchester United man Antony proved to be all that the visitors needed for their first away win at Atleti in 14 years.

Player Ratings:

Oblak

The Slovenian was called upon early to make stops and did so convincingly, but he was caught off guard on Antony’s goal which curled past the keeper at his near post. Certainly one that Oblak will want to forget. 4

Llorente

Stayed high and wide for most of the match, but his linkup with Giuliano and signature bursts forward were infrequent as Betis stayed compact defensively. The long-haired defender’s best contribution was his lofted cross to Ademola Lookman on the Nigerian’s offside goal in the first half. 4.5

Giménez

Giménez was always ready to put in a crunching tackle and recover possession to help build moves, though his tenacity did produce some fouls. His passing was accurate (92/100) but rarely penetrative. 5.5

Hancko

Began the match as a central defender, but was moved to left back after Matteo Ruggeri’s substitution. The shift proved to be worthwhile, as Hancko’s defensive efforts against the likes of Antony and Pablo Fornals were much more convincing in the second half. 5

Ruggeri

Hugged the touchline and roamed high up the pitch, adding another wide passing option. The offense came heavily from Lookman and the lefthand side during the first half, and Ruggeri’s occasional overlapping runs helped to create space for the attackers to exploit. Despite some offensive contributions, the elusive Antony gave Ruggeri problems down the flank; the Brazilian won a yellow card against the defender and then cut inside to score just minutes later. Simeone opted to shift Hancko out to the left and to bring in Robin Le Normand at halftime. 3

G. Simeone

Had a well-placed cross toward Antoine Griezmann in the second half which resulted in a goal that would be later called back, but otherwise was unable to replicate the same performance that he had just days ago in the Copa del Rey. 4.5

Mendoza

The former Elche man worked the ball through the midfield and out wide to players like Simeone and Llorente. He made one big mistake that led to a Cédric Bakambu effort, but for his first start, he didn’t do too badly. 4

Koke

The captain distributed the ball with accuracy, completing 120 out of 131 passes, and he did well in getting multiple players involved by switching the point of attack. His two key passes were the most from any midfielder on the night and directly produced chances on net for the team. 6

Almada

Starting out wide, Almada could frequently be seen collecting possession and looking to push the ball forward on a quick counter. Typically however, his efforts were met with few forward options, forcing the midfielder to slow down the pace and distribute elsewhere. He didn’t create a single chance and managed only two passes into the final third in the first half.4

Alvarez

Another quiet shift from La Araña, who now has gone more than four months without scoring a non-penalty goal. The attacker will look to break this unfavorable streak soon with important Copa del Rey and Champions League matches approaching quickly. 3

Lookman

On his home debut, Lookman was able to produce some of the more promising chances in an otherwise timid attack. He had a goal called back for offside just before halftime, but he continues to show promise up front. 5

Subs:

Le Normand

Came on for Ruggeri at halftime and helped to plug up many of the holes that Real Betis exploited in the first 45 minutes of play. His defensive efforts helped limit the opposition’s chances in the second half and allowed Cholo Simeone to push Hancko out wide. 5

Baena

Replaced Almada to start the second half. Though Baena’s play looked forced at times, he brought some needed energy from the midfield and sent in more than one promising ball into the box. 4.5

Sørloth

The striker brought height and strength in the box, a combination that the opponent struggled to combat. His headers on net were some of the most challenging shots for Álvaro Valles to deal with between the sticks, but they just weren’t enough to bring the game level. 5.5

Griezmann

During Giuliano’s second half cross into the area, the former World Cup winner challenged Diego Llorente in the air, forcing the defender to head the ball into his own net. Unfortunately the central defender’s mishap was called back after Griezmann was adjudged to have been offside. 5

Vargas

Making his league debut for the team after just signing from the Seattle Sounders, Vargas came on in the second half and was slotted into the midfield. He looked eager to get a hold of the ball and will look to build off of this as he gets more minutes of the pitch. 4