Thomas Partey's last-gasp free kick ensured Atletico Madrid's week did not take another turn for the worse as they squeaked past Deportivo La Coruna 1-0 on Saturday.
It had been one of the least memorable games of the season thus far on the north-eastern coast of Spain, with neither side looking like scoring. That was until Lucas Hernandez broke forward two minutes into stoppage time before being felled on the edge of the box.
With Gabi and Nicolas Gaitan standing over it, Depor were caught cold as the skipper laid it off to Thomas, who expertly fired into the to give Los Rojiblancos a much-needed three points.
Positives
Thomas has now scored two brilliant goals in as many games, which will do his confidence the world of good. On a defensive note, a clean sheet is always nice, even if Depor rarely threatened.
Negatives
That Thomas has needed to score two worldies in as many games shows just how much of a cutting edge this side lacks. They never threatened before the goal and Antoine Griezmann's form is a major worry.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Diego Simeone got away with it today. Subbing Griezmann late on hopefully may serve as a wake-up call to the Frenchman.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Jan Oblak, 6 -- Could have had the proverbial pipe and slippers on. Almost got himself in a mess with the ball at his feet in the first half but recovered in the nick of time.
DF Juanfran, 5 -- Neat and tidy at the back. Attacked at will but the final ball was not there (once again).
DF Diego Godin, 6 -- Coped with Lucas Perez's pace and directness well. Went close from a header at the other end and never looked flustered.
DF Stefan Savic, 6 -- Dealt with the little he had to do well at the back, albeit his wayward distribution could have been much better.
DF Lucas Hernandez, 8 -- Is not a full-back but does a brilliant impression of one. With his side out of ideas, he stormed forward in stoppage time to win the free kick that led to Thomas's winner.
MF Thomas Partey, 7 -- A second goal in as many game and another right out of the top drawer. You wondered if Atleti had messed up their chance to score, but he was peeling away in celebration before his shot hit the back of the net.
MF Augusto Fernandez, 7 -- Is a reassuring presence in the middle of the park and does the exact job this side need him to do. Another hour under his belt as he continues to return from injury.
MF Gabi, 6 -- Looks much happier with Augusto next to him in the middle of the park. Lacked his usual assuredness in possession but had a cool head at the end as he laid it off to Thomas.
MF Saul Niguez, 6 -- Still searching for form. Blasted a couple of shots miles over when he had better options on.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 5 -- In rotten form. Unceremoniously hooked at 0-0 tells you all you need to know about his performance. Must do better.
FW Angel Correa, 5 -- Unable to get into the match at all and was squeezed out. Hooked at the break.
Substitutes
MF Nicolas Gaitan, 6 -- Forced a decent save with a long-range effort after the break. Not much else.
FW Kevin Gameiro, 5 -- Hardly had a touch in his cameo.
MF Jose Maria Gimenez, NR -- On for the final 10.