Daichi Kamada’s deflection on Pablo Barrios’ shot had given the visitors the lead in the first half and it didn’t look like Lazio would be able to break down their former player- Diego Simeone’s famously stubborn defence.
Until Champions League debutant Provedel produced his miracle that was. Here’s how Maurizio Sarri’s men got on in this entertaining 1-1 draw.
Ivan Provedel – 8
The Lazio net-minder was completely helpless for the opener after Daichi Kamada stuck out a foot and left the keeper stranded. Following a very quiet period he burst into life when required to spread himself well and deny Samuel Lino a goal to finish off the game. Taking matters into his own hands he went up for the last play and snaked through the Atletico defence unnoticed and head in a Luis Alberto cross with the expertise of a striker, having played in that position until he was 15. Man of the Match.
Luca Pellegrini – 6.5
Pellegrini was really up for his first start of the season, especially in the Champions League with the team he supports. Began with quick feet and a hunger to venture forward. After swinging in a good cross or two and a good interception at the other end disaster struck. He was caught by a challenge in the 35th minute and had to come off in tears. Spotted later with his knee strapped up. Unlucky.
Alessio Romagnoli – 6
Kept simple at the back early on as the defence didn’t come under much pressure at all in the first half. Tried to encourage his teammates after the opener. Solid and assured showing overall even if it wasn’t the busiest of evenings for him. Lightning nearly struck twice when he deflected Alvaro Morata’s shot off the post.
Patric – 5.5
Decent Performance for Patric this evening. Won some and lost some but wasn’t to blame for anything Important. Defensively worked well with Romagnoli and went on a solo run that ended just outside the oppositon area. Riled up the home crowd to get them behind his team.
Adam Marusic – 6.5
Convincing at both ends tonight. Won his Duels and cut out counter attacks. Even switched flank when Pellegrini went off to the left with minimal disruption. Overlapping with the winger and really made an impact offensively.
Daichi Kamada- 6
Improvement again from Kamada as he settles. Tried to locate Immobile and had one or two shots on goal. Was a proper presence in midfield and will hope to continue like this. Really unfortunate with the opener. Sticking out his leg as instinct to wrongfoot Provedel.
Matias Vecino – 6
The Uruguayan went about his business quietly in midfield. His big game experience was a useful asset for the Capital outfit. Sent in a lovely ball for Immobile in the first and tried his own luck in the second period, blazing barely over.
Luis Alberto – 7.5
The Biancocelesti’s Metronome once again controlled the tempo of his squad. Spraying passes out wide and through the middle. Volleyed wide from a Marusic cross early on and looked like all the hard work might be for nothing until injury time when he provided the assist for the most unlikely recipient of all. Hard to argue he didn’t deserve it.
Felipe Anderson – 5
Quiet night for the Brazilian. Lacked the spark he normally has out wide and couldn’t create clear cut opportunities. Not much to note as he huffed and puffed but nothing really came of it save a few half decent crosses.
Ciro Immobile – 5.5
The star striker spent much of the evening lurking around the box waiting on service. More involvement after the break glancing over and having his first real chance in the 55th minute when Anderson headed down to him but he could only hit Oblak from close range. Frustrating Match for Immobile.
Mattia Zaccagni – 7
The Italain used his trickery out wide to get the better of Molina and cause all sorts of trouble for Atleti. Nearly beat the goalie with a looping shot that had to be pushed over. Effective display.
Matteo Guendouzi – 6.5
Sarri said pre-game himself and Kamada couldn’t play in the same 11 and that’s who he replaced just after the hour mark. Seized the initiative, winning tackles and carrying the ball forward. Slalomed through the defence a few times in search of an equaliser.
Gustav Isaksen – 5.5
Had to be a bit more decisive on the ball when picking out a pass but seemed to have trouble out wide. Drifted inside on a few occasions to get the ball. Not a lot to note.
Manuel Lazzari – 6
Came on to replace Pellegrini and played on his preffered right side of the defence. Always attack minded and got straight to work digging out good deliveries. Atletico’s low block didn’t afford him the space to run in behiond. sometimes not best prepared defensively but wasn’t exposed.