A horror show of a second half from 10-man Atletico Madrid saw them thoroughly and deservedly beaten 2-0 away to Celta Vigo on Saturday. From an odd-looking starting XI, to individual mistakes, nothing went right for Los Rojiblancos on what was an afternoon to forget.
The usually unflappable Diego Godin slipped to allow Maxi Gomez to open the scoring -- not his first big mistake this season -- before Iago Aspas doubled the Galician side's lead shortly after. Stefan Savic then contrived to get himself sent off as things went from bad to worse and only a marginal VAR offside decision prevented further embarrassment.
Positives
None. There was literally nothing positive about this display. Well, the fact Savic will now be suspended and thus out of the team is a positive of sorts.
Negatives
Where to start? No cohesion in attack, sloppy passing, mistakes in defence. You name it, Atleti did it poorly.
Manager rating out of 10
2 -- Diego Simeone left out his summer recruits and picked a very suspect XI. Savic, an average centre-back, playing at right-back over Santiago Arias, Colombia's first choice in that position, was bizarre and it backfired spectacularly.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Jan Oblak, 6 -- Given little to no protection and stood no chance with the goals. Made a decent stop late on to prevent the scoreline getting worse.
DF Stefan Savic, 2 -- Not his fault the manager picked him at full-back, but he was so, so, so bad. Lost Aspas for the second goal, contributed little other than uncertainty to the back line before being sent off with 20 minutes to go. Rubbish.
DF Jose Maria Gimenez 6 -- The best of a bad bunch at the back, however his lack of football in recent weeks showed at times. Subbed two minutes before Savic got himself sent off.
DF Diego Godin, 3 -- If anyone can find the real Godin, please have him delivered to the Spanish capital. His wretched start to the season continued as he slipped over to allow Maxi in to open the scoring, before not dealing with his compatriot, who teed up Aspas for the second. Worrying signs and you have to imagine Lucas Hernandez might be in line to come in for him next time out.
DF Filipe Luis, 5 -- Did what was required, albeit like many of his teammates, his touch and decision making were awry.
MF Angel Correa, 5 -- Always looks to make things happen. Was lively, but wasted a couple of good openings by choosing the wrong option.
MF Saul Niguez, 4 -- Another who is not having a great start to the season. Was too often overrun in the middle of the park and he looks like he needs a rest, which will not be forthcoming.
MF Thomas Partey, 6 -- Probably Los Colchoneros' best player -- but that is not saying much -- making it all the more surprising he was taken off in the second half.
MF Koke 4 -- Looked to link up with Filipe Luis but it did not quite happen. Did not cover himself in glory as he attempted to block the cross for the second.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 4 -- Anonymous. Could not get himself involved in the game at all when his side needed him to.
FW Diego Costa, 5 -- Battled, as he always does, but like Griezmann he was just not in the game enough and cut a very frustrated figure.
Substitutes
MF Thomas Lemar, 6 -- Should have started. Came on at 2-0 down but looked lively and his pace and directness had been sorely lacking.
FW Nikola Kalinic, 5 -- Brought on for his debut at 2-0 down, away from home, with the side playing wretchedly. Bet he is thanking the manager for that one.
DF Santiago Arias, 6 -- Another who should have started, especially when you consider who was given the nod ahead of him. Looked good on the ball.