Atletico Madrid are still right in the thick of the Spanish title race. After the 3:1 win against Villarreal, the team-mates paid homage to Antoine Griezmann. The key figure for the Rojiblancos reached a milestone – and already has the next one in sight.
The championship race in Spain is increasingly turning into a four-way battle. After Atletico’s 3:1 comeback victory over Villarreal on Sunday evening, the top four in La Liga are separated by just six points – and the Rojiblancos, unlike their rivals, even have a catch-up game up their sleeves.
The face of success is undoubtedly Antoine Griezmann. The 2018 French World Cup winner set up the equalizer in the sixth win in six home games – only Atleti still have an unblemished record at home in La Liga – before scoring himself to make it 2-1. Eight goals and one assist in twelve league games this season, plus four goals in four Champions League appearances
The goal against Villarreal was a special one for Griezmann for several reasons. It was his 169th in competitive matches for Atleti, tying him with Adrian Escudero, the second most prolific marksman in Atletico history – record holder Luis Aragones (172) is now the last man standing. It was also Griezmann’s 300th goal as a professional – in addition to his 169 for Atletico, he has scored 52 for Real Sociedad, 44 for France and 35 for Barcelona. To become Atletico’s top scorer in the league, Griezmann is still 30 goals behind Escudero (150).
Footballing portfolio long since expanded
“It’s amazing,” said teammate Marcos Llorente in praise, “apart from the goals, he’s a player who helps the team with his assists. When he’s down and has to fight, he’s the first to do it. He’s perhaps one of the most complete players I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Ex-Dortmund player Axel Witsel, for whom Griezmann set up the equalizer, doesn’t see the end in sight: “I’m very happy for my brother. I hope he continues like this and scores even more goals.” Griezmann has long since expanded his footballing portfolio, however, as his 70 assists in 357 games for Atletico underline
Supporter Diego Simeone refused to draw comparisons with former Atletico greats on Sunday, saying: “Comparisons are not good.” There is no doubt that Griezmann will go down in the club’s history anyway. Atletico’s coach expressed the wish that his most important piece of the puzzle would preserve his current form as much as possible and bring it back to Madrid from the French national team.
Griezmann himself was modest after the next milestone, spoke of his role as a team player and yet said: “When I score a goal, I always go home happier.” Simeone’s contract extension also triggered this feeling in him. “And now it’s my turn,” Griezmann announced. However, the 32-year-old’s contract runs until June 30, 2026 – actually enough time to break even more records
