Kevin Gameiro, Angel Correa help Atletico Madrid see off Copenhagen

Atletico Madrid strolled into the last 16 of the Europa League, defeating Copenhagen 1-0 in the second leg of their round-of-32 meeting to secure a 5-1 aggregate win.

With the job all but done in Denmark last week, Diego Simeone shuffled his pack, handing a debut to Sergio Gonzalez at left-back. The in-form Kevin Gameiro retained his placed and fired a stunning left-footed effort into the top corner within 10 minutes to extinguish any lingering hopes the visitors may have had.

From there on in it was something of a training exercise and both sides looked happy with the result that prevailed. Into the next round it is -- you have to think nobody will want to draw Atleti in the last 16.

Positives

The arrival of Diego Costa appears to have kicked Gameiro into gear and he is looking like the player Atleti thought they signed. Sergi's debut was impressive, too.

Negatives

Hard to find fault, given the circumstances. They switched off at the back late on, offering up a couple of chances that the visitors wasted. The boss would not have liked that.

Manager rating out of 10

6 -- There really was no need for Diego Simeone to risk either Saul or Koke ahead of Sunday's visit to Sevilla, even if they only played 45 minutes each

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

GK Jan Oblak, 6 -- Largely untroubled but did what was required with his usual efficiency.

DF Juanfran 7 -- Was excellent in the early stages and linked up with Angel Correa well down the right-hand side all night, putting in a couple of delicious crosses. Did what little he had to do defensively with the minimum of fuss.

DF Jose Maria Gimenez, 6 -- Solid, however he gave away a silly free kick late on as the side's concentration wavered a bit.

DF Diego Godin, 7 -- Like his partner he did not have a lot to do but used his experience to guide young Sergi to his left through the game expertly. Went close with a header at the other end.

DF Sergi, 7 -- Unflustered. Copenhagen lumped a few balls in his direction in the opening five minutes, however he used his height and strength well. Joined in with the attacks going forwards, however his final ball could use a bit of work.

MF Vitolo, 5 -- Not quite happening for him in an Atleti shirt, is it? Work rate cannot be faulted but he looks on a different wavelength to his teammates at the moment and probably needs a preseason.

MF Koke, 7 -- A very good 45 minutes in which he dictated the tempo of play. Replaced at the break in a pre-planned move.

MF Gabi, 6 -- The skipper was as reliable as always. Will be slightly disappointed with his set-piece delivery, though. For all their height, Atleti do not score enough headers.

MF Angel Correa, 8 -- The best player on the pitch. Looked dangerous every time he picked up the ball and had the Copenhagen left-back all ends up for his hour on the field.