Decided to begin his early retirement in the United States last February, but held back by his Madrid managers, Antoine Griezmann will not earn anything for his very last season with the Colchoneros. Diego Simeone’s favorite number 7 experienced his first disillusionment on April 18, during a Copa del Rey final lost against his training club, Real Sociedad, on penalties (2-2, tab: 3-4). The top scorer in Atléti’s history has never been Spanish champion and has never won the national cup.
“Grizi” had one last dream in recent days: to qualify for the Champions League final, 10 years after a traumatic final against Real, also lost on penalties (1-1, tab: 5–3). The men of “Cholo” did not manage to reverse the situation after conceding the opening score in London before half-time by Bukayo Saka (44th).
Griezmann for the first shot on target
In this tight return leg but without a flash of genius (that is to say if Arsenal will be outsiders in the final against the winner of Bayern-PSG), Atlético had two opportunities at the start of the second half. Giuliano Simeone appeared in front of David Raya but was jostled by Gabriel Magalhaes and shot wide (52nd), before a shot from the right from “Grizi” released by the opposing Spanish goalkeeper, for the visitors’ first attempt on target (56th).
His combativeness ultimately did not help his team much in the game and Griezmann was taken off in the 66th minute, replaced by Alex Baena. The end of the season is likely to be long for Atlético, who are 4th in La Liga but already 10 points ahead of Real Betis. The only interest for Griezmann before heading to Orlando: to say goodbye to his supporters on May 17 at the Metropolitano. This is likely to be a strong moment. It would have been better with a title.
