Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Player Ratings: PSV Eindhoven 0-3 Atletico Madrid

PSV Eindhoven

Isaksson - 5.5
No chance for the opener, but might have done better on Aguero's second, but lacked assurance and command of of the area.

Salcido - 6.5
Made the fewest mistakes among the back four. showed endeavour and some nice touches in attack.

Marcellis - 5
Made too many mistakes and showed poor judgement at times. Should have had a penalty awarded against him, which could have made it four and a thrashing for PSV.

Pieters - 5
Like Marcellus, gave Atletico's lethal forwards far too much space.

Brechet - 4
A night to forget for the Frenchman, who nearly ensured his team were a goal down in the first minute. Turned easily for Aguero's second. Looked vulnerable throughout.

Mendez - 6
Showed some nice touches here and there but, given how influential he is for PSV, needed to get on the ball more.

Simmons - 5
His screening role served little purpose, with far too much space for the Atletico midfield and forwards.

Culina - 5
Like Simmons, largely ineffectual and subbed off at halftime as PSV attempted an unlikely comeback in the second period.

Afellay - 7
Busy all night and showed his quality with great pace, trickery and a stinging shot. Questionable decision making at times, but had the weight of an average PSV on his shoulders.

Amrabat - 7
Probably PSV's best player on the night, he gave Perea problems down the left and looks a good addition to the Phillips Stadion.

Koevermans - 6
Tried his best to lead the line, but looked one-dimensional and missed a couple of good chances.

Subs

Bakkal - 5.5
Showed more than Culina, but failed to make much impact

Lazovic - 6
Immediately gave PSV more presence up front and should have scored one of the chances that fell to him.

Franciso - 5
Not much of an impact when he came on.

Atletico Madrid

Leo Franco - 7
Made some good saves from PSV's long rangers and coming out to close out one-on-ones. Looked largely assured on crosses and high balls too, as he continues in European matches while sitting out the domestic scene for Gregory Coupet.

Perea - 6
Sound enough, and had to work hard to contain Amrabat.

Ufaljusi - 7
Solid as always though with not an awful lot to do, which perhaps contributed to the occasional loss in concentration.

Heitinga - 7
The former Ajax man was probably expecting a rougher night from the PSV fans, but had an easy time of it and was rarely called upon.

Lopez - 6.5
Came in at left back and was worked by Afellay's pace and direct running, but coped reasonably well.

Luis Garcia - 8
Very creative, great link up play and incisive passing around the area, he looked full of confidence.

Maniche - 7.5
Helped dominate the PSV midfield and as usual needed no invitation to get forward. Took his goal well and was fouled in the area before the opener.

Assuncao - 7
Very solid and industrious in the the holding role.

Simao - 7
Gave Atletico plenty of width and quality service.

Aguero - 9
Outstanding performance by Aguero, who oozed quality with every touch, putting PSV to the sword and dicing the defence with ease.

Forlan - 6
Made some useful runs, but didn't see much of the ball and was overshadowed by Aguero. Forced off after half an hour due to injury.

Subs

Sinama-Pongolle - 7.5
Did very well replacing Forlan, showing plenty of pace, intelligence and ability to make it a grim night for PSV.

Raul Garcia - 6
Did fine when it was very comfortable for the visitors, and he should have been given a penalty after a poor challenge by Marcellis.

Banega - 6
Came on to help close out the contest in the last 25 minutes, but by then it was over.


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