Europa League final player ratings as Antoine Griezmann glides for Atletico Madrid but Luiz Gustavo slides

Matt Jones - Editor 01:05 17/05/2018
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  • Atletico Madrid laid to rest the ghost of defeat in two of the last four Champions League finals by winning a third Europa League crown and third in nine years with a comprehensive 3-0 mauling of Marseille.

    After a stuttering start, Antonie Griezmann, who is set to leave in the summer, put them ahead following a defensive error with a cool finish. He chipped in brilliantly for 2-0 just after the break while veteran Gabi fired in at the death to seal a fine triumph.

    MARSEILLE (4-2-3-1)

    Steve Mandanda – 5: Played his part in the opener as hasty clearance put his defence under pressure.

    Bouna Sarr – 8: Tweeted after a dislocated shoulder following the 3-3 league game with Guingamp on Friday he would make the final. Marseille were grateful – he was excellent.

    Adil Rami – 7: Fired an early effort just over. Led by example as he tried to inspire a revival from his side.

    Luiz Gustavo – 3: Defensive midfielder started in the heart of defence in place of unfit Rolando. Endured a torrid evening dealing with Griezmann’s guile and combative Costa.

    Jordan Amavi – 5: Fired a venomous late drive down Jan Oblak’s throat but struggled to cope with Correa’s forays forward.

    Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 5: Justified selection early on as his power helped Marseille impose themselves. Horrible error for Griezmann’s goal.

    Morgan Sanson – 6: Started brightly but faded badly as Atletico exerted a stranglehold on the game.

    Florian Thauvin – 6: A new player to the one who flopped at Newcastle. Netted 26 goals in 52 games this season but couldn’t exert influence after a bright start.

    Dmitri Payet – 7: The architect of everything good Marseille did in the first 30 minutes. In tears as he was forced off after that.

    Lucas Ocampos – 7: His bustling energy and lanky frame caused a myriad of mismatches for Atletico. Surprisingly taken off as Marseille chased.

    Valere Germain – 4: Had a glorious chance early on to stun the favourites, but didn’t have the temperament to finish. Disappeared thereafter.

    SUBS:

    Maxime Lopez – 5: Entered the fray early for the unfortunate Payet. Had little influence on proceedings.

    Clinton Njie – 4: Lucky not to be ejected for a petulant kick at Hernandez and horrible shank late on went out for a throw.

    Kostas Mitroglou – 6: Had Oblak beat with a brilliant glancing header, which agonisingly came back off the inside of the post.

     

    Luiz Gustavo struggled in the heart of Marseille's defence.

    Luiz Gustavo struggled in the heart of Marseille’s defence.

    ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2)

    Jan Oblak – 6: Barely had to lift a finger bar a few early crosses. A bystander for Mitroglou’s header and held Amavi’s firm effort.

    Sime Vrsaljko – 4: Started instead of the experienced Juanfran but was hooked at the break after collecting a rash first-half yellow.

    Jose Gimenez – 6: Atleti’s style to Godin’s substance at the back. Had little trouble patrolling alongside the experienced Uruguayan.

    Diego Godin – 7: Commanding as Marseille mobbed Atletico early on, putting out  fires and then showed his experience to keep French at bay.

    Lucas Hernandez – 7: Marseille-born France international showed his fellow countrymen no mercy. Got forward in second half as Atleti scented blood.

    Angel Correa – 7: Simeone opted for the Argentine instead of the more industrious Thomas Partey, was rewarded with a lively display.

    Gabi – 7: Assured performance, exactly what his manager had him on the field for. Assist for Griezmann’s opener and killed Marseille off.

    Saul Niguez – 7: A rising midfield force in Europe. Marries power with poise and was a commanding presence in Atleti’s engine room.

    Koke – 8: Such a classy player. His deft touch to slip in Griezmann for his second was exceptional.

    Diego Costa – 6: Put in the shade by his brilliant strike partner, but a dogged display was exactly what his side needed.

    Antonine Griezmann – 9: Coolness personified for both goals. If he’s leaving this summer, he does so by bestowing the perfect parting gift.

    SUBS:

    Juanfran – 6: Brought on to replace erratic Vrsaljko, performed duties diligently.

    Thomas Partey N/A: Got in on the celebrations late but had little time to cut any shapes.

    Fernando Torres N/A: Paraded in front of the Rojiblancos faithful when the game was safe.

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