Atlético rely on Griezmann for important Feyenoord visit

Atlético Madrid are relying on high-profile Antoine Griezmann to qualify for Tuesday’s Champions League final at Feyenoord.

Atlético, who finished bottom of their group last season, are desperate for a breakthrough and know they will face a tough battle at De Kuip in the Netherlands as they look to avoid elimination.

Atlético lead Group E with eight points, one point ahead of Lazio and two points ahead of third-placed Feyenoord, and a win would seal their place.

Griezmann is in great form after scoring a stunning header against Mallorca in La Liga on Saturday to lift Atletico to third place.

The French forward has nine goals in Spain’s top flight, only behind Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham as the division’s top scorer, with four goals in four Champions League games so far.

He has eight goals and two assists in his last seven games for the club, across all competitions.

Griezmann played the full 90 minutes against Mallorca, with manager Diego Simeone unable to rest his forwards as his side had to fight until the end to secure the three points.

“It’s difficult to think about sacking him,” Simeone said.

“He’s very important to us. It’s a shame he always or almost always plays 90 minutes.”

The Argentine coach has made Griezmann a central figure in his Atlético team, sometimes literally placing the 32-year-old in midfield.

Griezmann scored twice in Atlético’s 6-0 win over Celtic at the Metropolitano in early November.

This will allow Griezmann to make more of an impact on the game without losing sight of his goal-scoring responsibilities.

– “Living history” –
His goal against Mallorca was his 170th for the club, leaving him just three points behind Atlético’s all-time top scorer Luis Aragonés.

“[Griezmann]will be living history at Atlético Madrid. He will surpass Luis Aragonés,” midfielder Koke said.

“We are very happy when he is on the pitch. We hope he is as fresh as possible (for Feyenoord), but for us he looks good.”

Feyenoord have a strong record at home with seven straight wins in all competitions, but Atlético have won just two of their last six away games.

Griezmann’s defensive workload will be key if Atletico are to lock down the hosts and push themselves at this iconic stadium.

“(Griezmann) always shows something different,” Simeone continued. “He manages himself very well and brings what he needs from his game to the game.”

The forward also has the knack of being the player to score the first goal, as he did against Mallorca.

Griezmann has achieved this nine times this year and will hope to do it 10 times against Feyenoord.

After this week, the player said he wants to follow in Simeone’s footsteps and commit his future to the club.

“I’m very happy for him. Now it’s my turn,” Griezmann said in early November after signing a contract until 2027.

After returning from a disappointing spell at Barcelona, ​​the player, who is under contract until 2026, has once again won the support of supporters and returned to his place as a key figure at Atlético.

Source: guardian.ng