Mueez Ajao
– Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann scored a brilliant late goal to claim a battling 1-0 win at home to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and strengthen their grip on fourth place in LaLiga.
– It was only their fifth win at home in a difficult season which has also included being knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage and the Copa del Rey in the quarterfinals.
– On Sunday, Atletico were the better side for large parts of an entertaining game in which they were denied early by Athletic’s 22-year-old goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala who made two outstanding saves in the first half.
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– Iker Muniain and the Williams brothers, Nico and Inaki, created good chances for Athletic but were held by a well-organised Atletico defence.
– Diego Simeone’s side were left to rue a flurry of missed chances after the break until Griezmann broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute.
– The forward slotted home a low shot inside the box to cap a fine individual effort that started from a combination with substitute Memphis Depay who set his team mate free with a back-heel before the Frenchman sprinted between two defenders.
– It was Griezmann’s 14th goal in 30 games against Bilbao, the most he has scored against any team in his professional career.
– “I wanted to score so badly, I had the chance… When you’re there fighting and trying to score, it will end up going in,” Griezmann told DAZN.
– “Scoring is about streaks. Hopefully I can score more goals after today.
– “It was a feeling of joy and a lot of pride, listening to the support of the fans. It’s sacrifice paying off. I gave it all on the field.”
– Atletico have 41 points from 22 games, two behind third-placed Real Sociedad who were left frustrated by an own goal in stoppage time that pegged them to a 1-1 draw at home against Celta on Saturday.
– Real Betis are fifth on 37 points. Barcelona, who were visiting lowly Cadiz in the late game, are top on 56 points ahead of Real Madrid with 51.
FT: #AtletiAthletic 1-0
Who else but @AntoGriezmann to bag the winner for @atletienglish!! 🔴⚪️#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/ZYVC0Fj1ki
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 19, 2023
