Diego Costa sent Atletico Madrid through to the Europa League final as the Spanish club won Thursday’s second leg 1-0 at home to clinch a 2-1 aggregate victory over Arsenal.
After a 1-1 draw a week ago in London, former Chelsea striker Costa grabbed the decisive goal just before half-time in Spain as Atletico reached a fifth European final in eight years.
Here are our Atletico Madrid player ratings:
Jan Oblak 6 – Had little to do but was still solid if unspectacular. Made one great save from Xhaka in the second half.
Thomas Partey 7 – The Ghanaian right-back made a couple of telling defensive contributions and looked good going forward. Made an important challenge to deny Ramsey in the second half.
Jose Gimenez 7 – As industrious as ever. The Uruguayan is a real fulcrum in the Atletico defence alongside Godin.
Diego Godin 7 – Commanded the box as per usual and never fails to produce a stellar performance.
Lucas Hernandez 6 – Worked his socks off and made some important tackles. Shouldn’t be any doubt over his place in the French World Cup team based on his performances over the two legs.
Vitolo 6 – Focuses on himself rather than the team. Easy to see why he is an irregular presence in Diego Simeone’s starting XI with his lack of work-rate in attack and defence.
Saul Niguez 7 – Vital component in Atletico’s midfield – and alongside Thomas – made some powerful surges forward.
Gabi 6 – Kept regularly involved without ever making the real telling pass that would have killed the game off. A good link man but needs to get in more dangerous positions.
Koke 6 – Was average at best. Provided plenty of width down the right and tracked back well but his final ball was lacking.
Diego Costa 8 – The central figure in the story tonight. His well-struck goal before the break made the difference between the sides.
Antoine Griezmann 8 – Never stopped working and probing especially in the second half. Provided the assist for Costa’s opener before the break.
SUBSTITUTES:
Angel Correa 6: Replaced Vitolo after 74 minute and didn’t have an impact.
Fernando Torres N/A: Came on for Costa late on.
Stefan Savic N/A: Played the final few minutes in place of Thomas.
