Player Ratings: Griezmann hat trick caps Atletico’s memorable year

What a difference 15 minutes in a room with Diego Simeone can make.

Atletico Madrid went in trailing 1-0 at halftime to a greatly superior Athletic Club at San Mames on Sunday evening. Los Rojiblancos had wobbled and were outplayed by their host, which did not let them settle into any kind of rhythm. They were outfought and unusually sluggish in defence and did not look worthy of the tag La Liga champion.

Yet 45 minutes later they had won 4-1 and played quite possibly their best half of football in this 2014-15 campaign. It seemed as if the infamous hair dryer had been well and truly wielded by the Argentine, and what a statement it was against Champions League opposition.

Less than a minute into the second period, the sides were level as Antoine Griezmann bagged his first of three goals with a bullet header. Five minutes later Atleti were leading, albeit through a fortunate penalty that Raul Garcia converted. The Frenchman then added two more, including a wonderful second, to cap what was without doubt his most impressive showing in a Colchoneros shirt.

Simeone had demanded the 30 million euro summer arrival step up to the plate in the absence of regulars Koke and Mario Mandzukic, and Griezmann did not disappoint, enjoying his return to the Basque Country and allowing Atletico Madrid to cap what has been a glorious 2014 in the best way possible, remaining firmly in the hunt as they look to retain their La Liga crown.

Whatever Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone told his team at halftime worked to a tee, as the reigning La Liga champions came from behind to down Athletic Bilbao.

Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Miguel Angel Moya, 7 – Atleti’s trusted custodian was assertive and dominant, even when the defenders in front of him were uncharacteristically nervy. He had no chance with the goal, but he kept his side in the game with a smart stop one-on-one.

DF Juanfran, 7 – After having to harness his attacking instincts for the first 45, he put his foot on the gas after the break and was a new man. Provided a great cross for Griezmann’s first goal and caused no end of problems.

DF Jose Maria Gimenez, 7 – Looked the more assured of the central defensive partnership despite only coming in for Joao Miranda at the last minute. Enjoyed an ongoing battle with the diminutive Iker Muniain, and was lucky to escape serious injury after the Basque forward’s late, high challenge. Gets better with each game; a real star in the making

DF Diego Godin, 6 – A rare off-night for Godin, who sold himself in the first half to allow Aritz Aduriz in behind before Siqueira came to the rescue, while he also collided with Gimenez late on and leaving the pitch with a bloodied nose.

DF Guilherme Siqueira, 7 – Saved Godin’s bacon with a terrific recovery tackle, and got forward well. Taken off after taking an accidental stamp on the head in the closing stages.

MF Tiago, 7 – An effective display from the defensive rock in front of the back four. He broke up attacks and defended stoutly, while also won a penalty to help his side take the lead. Simeone will want the Portuguese to put his feet up and enjoy a well-earned break over Christmas and New Year.

MF Saul Niguez, 6 – Playing in the Koke role on the left, Saul was full of running, however he is yet to build on his early season promise.

MF Gabi, 7 – Another captain’s display from Gabi, who helped calm his side down as tempers were fraying in the first half. It was his ball over the top that sent Griezmann away to make it 3-1 and seal the game.

MF Arda Turan, 8 – As is usually the case, Turan was one of Los Colchoneros’ main attacking outlets with his direct running and skill. It was the Turkey international’s quick thinking and strength that started the move that leads to Atleti’s third.

MF Raul Garcia, 7 – Full of running as per usual, the big man held his nerve to score from the spot to make it 2-1.

Antoine Griezmann enjoyed his finest night in an Atletico Madrid shirt in scoring a second-half hat trick at San Mames.

FW Antoine Griezmann, 9 – Far and away the man of the match, this might prove to be a watershed moment for the France international, whose bullet header, composed finish and tap-in singlehandedly won the game for Atletico Madrid. Needs to take this form into 2015.

Substitutes

Cristian Rodriguez, N/R – Perennial substitute “Cebolla” came on late for Saul in the 80th minute and was full of running.

Jesus Gamez, N/R – Brought on for Turan in the 84th minute, Gamez had little time to make an impact.

Lucas Hernandez, N/R – Like Gamez, he came on late, for Siqueira in the 88th minute, and had little time on the field.