Axel Allag, Media365, published on Monday October 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
International retiree, Antoine Griezmann was able to take a breather during the international break. A beneficial rest in the eyes of Diego Simeone who praised his performance after the success obtained against Leganés (3-1).
As often, Antoine Griezmann contributed to the success of Atlético de Madrid. Except that this time, a rarity, his good performance came in a context marked by his recent international retirement with the Blues. For the first time in 10 years, the best passer in the history of the France team was able to breathe during an international break and this was seen on Sunday, when, visibly reinvigorated, he saved his team from a bad not thanks to total involvement in all areas of the pitch. Scorer in the 81st minute in a tackle full of rage while the score was tied (1-1), he had an eventful evening.
Simeone: “When he is at his best, the team benefits”
A few minutes after the joy of his goal, he thought he had to leave his teammates, the fault of an uncontrolled gesture on the ankles of Yvan Neyou. Initially expelled, Antoine Griezmann was ‘saved’ by viewing the VAR and the cancellation of the red card, transformed into a yellow card (89th). In the process, Alexander Sørloth added his double to give a little more margin to the success of Colchoneros third in Liga (3-1).
Diego Simeone, for his part, could only welcome the rest enjoyed by his major element, vital for an Atlético able to look at FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, at least theoretically. “He was able to rest. For players who play a lot, it’s good to rest. He was able to support the team in recent weeks and identify what we need to improve,” highlighted the technician, sure of the quality of its technical and mental leader. “He is decisive and always has been in our team,” recalled Simeone. “When he is at his best, the team benefits.” Since the start of the season, the numbers don’t lie: Griezmann is both the top scorer (4 goals) and assists (5 assists) for his team in all competitions. Atlético de Madrid’s next opponent, Wednesday at Cívitas Metropolitano in the Champions League (9 p.m.), Lille has been warned.
