Atletico Madrid 1-1 Elche Player Ratings: Lacklustre Atletico Madrid Drop Points to Newboys Elche to Remain Winless

Atletico Madrid faltered again as they were held by Elche at home after a 1-1 stalemate. Los Rojiblancos are still without a win as they drop points to new boys who played an impressive game of football. Despite the contrary reports of a fallout, Alexander Sorloth kept his cool on the pitch by scoring a delicious lob to open the scoring. Rafa Mir scored immediately to finish off a break and restore parity. There was no change to the scoreline in the second half as the teams shared points. Both sides traded blow for blow in the first half, which ended all square. Sorloth raced onto the end of a David Hankco's defence, splitting through pass to deftly lob it past the goalkeeper and open the scoring in the 8th minute.

The lead didn't last for long as Elche immediately hit back. Mir received a cross after a fast break and took a touch before slotting it past an onrushing Jan Oblak to draw the game level. The possession was evenly locked thereafter as Elche took the fight to their superior opponents. With some heroic defending, they ended the half level on goals. The second half was all about Elche's dogged defence keeping Atletico's stale attack at bay. Despite the difference in quality, Elche's cohesion trumped their opponents as Simeone is still searching for his first win of the new campaign. Here are the Atletico Madrid vs Elche Player Ratings.

Atletico Madrid vs Elche Player Ratings

Here are the Atletico Madrid Player Ratings from the Atletico Madrid vs Elche Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Jan Oblak-5.5/10

Made a few regulation saves for his standard, but he was very slow to react to Rafa Mir closing on him and firing his side level.

Defenders

Marcos Llorente-5.5/10

The fullback was always trying to push high to help his side in the attack. He was caught offside and out of position to commit a couple of fouls.

Robin Le Normand-6/10

The French defender lost track of his man and needed to take evasive actions by resorting to tactical fouls.

David Hancko-7.5/10

Played a pearler of a pass to release Sorloth for the first goal of the game. Defended his box well.

Matteo Ruggeri-7/10

Provided the attacking thrust, but was unable to give something tangible to his side. A split-second delay in getting to his man led to the equaliser.

Midfielders

Giuliano Simeone-6/10

Displayed a great work ethic to help his fullback out, but his quality in offence was nowhere good enough.

Johnny Cardoso-7/10

He was a very smart operator in the middle by winning the ball back swiftly and using it intelligently to inspire attacks.

Pablo Barrios-7.5/10

The youngster had another impressive outing as he dominated the middle of the park with authoritative passing and chance creation.

Thiago Almada-6/10

Created a couple of chances early on with crosses and long balls, but fizzled out as the game went on.

Forwards

Julian Alvarez-6/10

Had his moments of skills and flicks, but his overall game was disappointing as he struggled to connect the plays.

Alexander Sorloth-8/10

Took his goal in great fashion after a rumoured fallout with his manager. Showed great professionalism and hunger to win the game.

Substitutions

Conor Gallagher-6/10
Antoine Griezmann-6/10
Giacomo Raspadori-6/10
Javi Galan-6/10
Nahuel Molina-6/10

Manager

Diego Simeone-6/10

The manager failed to find the solution to his struggles yet again. Despite possessing great talent, they are missing the cohesiveness to play as a unit. Lapses of concentration are hurting his side, and he has to take quick fixes.

Elche Player Ratings

Here are the Elche Player Ratings from the Atletico Madrid vs Elche Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Matias Dituro-7/10

Displayed a great range of saves by tipping the ball and parrying it all around to showcase his talent. His safe pair of hands didn't give the hosts a chance away.

Defenders

Rafael Nunez-7/10

Played plenty of forward-looking passes to set his side up and was a crucial part of the defence that held the ft.

David Affengruber-7.5/10

His solid tackle on Julian Alvarez, who broke into the box, would go down as one of the best for ages. Look very fluent out of possession.

Pedro Bigas-7/10

He was a threat during set pieces in both the boxes and showed his true value when it came to box defending.

Midfielders

John Donald-5/10

The right wing-back had a lot of freedom to push the opposition deeper and ask some tough questions, but he failed to use his opportunity.

Aleix Febas-5.5/10

Was the recipient of a yellow card for a poor foul and had to watch his step carefully throughout the game.

Marc Aguado-6/10

Tried his best to catch the mercurial mids of the opposition and dictate the game for his side. Looked the best out of the lot for his side.

Rodri Mendoza-5.5/10

The youngster had a rough outing as he was pushed around the ground by the opposition. But he held his ground until he was substituted.

German Valera-7/10

The wing-back used his pace and trickery to keep causing problems to Marcos Llorente all game long.

Forwards

Alvaro Rodriguez-7/10

Showed great awareness to find his strike partner for the equaliser. His channel running was impressive.

Rafa Mir-8/10

The striker oozed composure when he took the ball in his stride and buried it past Oblak. Kept trying for a winner multiple times.

Substitutions

Victor Chust-6/10
Andre Silva-6/10
Martim Neto-6/10
Federico Redondo-6/10
Leo Petrot-6/10

Manager

Eder Sarabia-6/10

Set his side up brilliantly despite the underdog's status. They played some impressive football and defended with everything on the pitch to seal the points.

Sportsdunia’s Player of the Match: Alexander Sorloth