Antoine Griezmann is back. The Frenchman is happy, he looks more relaxed and is scoring goals again. In Atlético Madrid’s 1-1 draw at home to Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday, he had an outstanding game.
Atlético signed Griezmann permanently from Barcelona recently, on a deal until 2026. According to Opta, he created no less than seven goal-scoring chances against Andoni Iraola’s side at the Cívitas Metropolitano. Mundo Deportivo say it was his best (7) in a single game in his entire La Liga career and the best by an Atlético player since Koke against Real Valladolid in September 2012 (10). We are talking about the most chances generated by a single player in a decade for Atlético.
Griezmann influencing games again
In the match against Rayo, the Frenchman assisted Álvaro Morata for the first goal of the game, before former Atlético striker Radamel Falcao scored a late penalty to give the club from Vallecas a valuable point.
Griezmann was involved in setting up Morata’s goal. Fran García thought he had everything under control when Griezmann appeared to intercept the ball in Rayo’s half. He proceeded to lift his head, before curling a low cross with his right foot into the penalty area. Álvaro Morata was there to meet it first time and give the home side the lead on the night with a fine finish from close range.
Griezmann now has four goals and two assists in all competitions this season. In Atlético’s previous match against Athletic Club, it was also Griezmann and Morata who combined in San Mamés to give Diego Simeone’s side an excellent away victory. The France international scored from a pass from Morata. Against Rayo, it was the other way around.
Griezmann has been involved in seven goals in his last 13 La Liga games (three goals and four assists), two more than in his previous 23 league games with the club from the capital (three goals and two assists).
Against Rayo, he had a passing success rate of 89.4% (81.8% in the final third of the pitch), with six crosses into the box, two dribbles completed, one aerial duel won, four tackles and nine recoveries. Griezmann, who loves being at Atlético, is back.
GSFN
