Griezmann’s farewell party is a nightmare for Girona

Antoine Griezmann’s farewell party as an Atlético player at the Metropolitano was a descent into hell for Girona. Lookman’s solitary goal sinks them into the relegation spots. Next week they are forced to win against Elche at Montilivi to save themselves. A team as beautiful to watch as it is frustrating in front of goal once again. One of the scourges that have haunted them throughout the season and that could cost them their place in the league. Míchel was desperate at the clear chances wasted by Bryan Gil, Tsygankov, the skillful Ouhani, or Stuani.

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ATMAtlético

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Jan Oblak, Robin Le Normand, Matteo Ruggeri, Dávid Hancko, Marc Pubill, Obed Vargas (Javier Morcillo, min. 60), Giuliano Simeone (Thiago Almada, min. 45), Koke, Álex Baena (Alexander Sørloth, min. 60), Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman (Clément Lenglet, min. 62)

GIRGirona

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Paulo Gazzaniga, Alejandro Francés, Arnau Martínez (David López, min. 76), Vitor Reis, Álex Moreno, Axel Witsel (Fran Beltrán, min. 55), Joel Roca (Claudio Echeverri, min. 62), Azzedine Ounahi, Iván Martín, Bryan Gil (Cristhian Stuani, min. 55) and Viktor Tsygankov

Goals 1-0 min. 20: Lookman

Referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz

Yellow cards Le Normand (min. 22), Javier Morcillo (min. 84)

In some way, it was Griezmann who started to execute the struggling Girona team. The Frenchman summed up in several actions the player he has been. Touches to clarify the play in the attacking midfield or to set it up in the center of the field, runs to press, and sharp, treacherous movements into free space. In one of them, he was cunning to get behind Álex Moreno at the far post, control, and assist Lookman. It was the Frenchman’s evening, to whom Koke paid tribute by handing him the captain’s armband. His departure not only means the farewell of the best foreigner and one of the great players in Atlético’s history. He also leaves behind a character who has resonated among the rojiblanco youth for his celebrations dancing the Take the L, the song that sets the mood for the popular video game Fortnite, or for his carefree hairstyles.

Before the match, in the surroundings of the Metropolitano, a long line of children waited to get a haircut like their idol. They could also choose to dye their hair green, blue, pink, or silver, colors he has sported at different times, almost always related to a mood or a specific moment in his life. “He always appeared in tough moments to cheer us up with that child he carries inside.” Griezmann represented Atlético’s playful spirit against Girona’s need and distress. The Frenchman did not score, despite his teammates’ efforts to gift him his last goal before a crowd he managed to win back after his escape to Barcelona.

After the match, Atlético’s all-time top scorer (212 goals in 500 games) was received to the rhythm of With Or Without You by U2 through a corridor formed by his teammates and crowned by Simeone. Then, historic Atlético captains paraded: Adelardo, Tomás Reñones, Miguel Ángel Ruiz, Roberto Solozabal, Antonio López, Godín, and Fernando Torres.

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Torres, acclaimed as always when he appears at the Metropolitano, offered him a message that goes beyond titles: “We have been hearing all these days about the player he has been. Surely, the best many of us here have seen. You receive something more important, which is the affection, respect, and recognition of the Atlético family. We all know how the journey has been. Thank you for your football, your humility, and commitment. Here you have the recognition of your people, which is the greatest thing a footballer can take away.”

Through tears, Griezmann took the microphone and the first thing he stammered was: “I apologize again, I didn’t realize the affection I had. Thanks to mothers, fathers, uncles, brothers, and grandparents for bringing their children here because this is the best club in the world.” His three daughters and his wife could not hide their emotion either when a hot air balloon with “Thank you Antoine” written on it rose before them before he took his last lap around a stadium that bid him farewell as a legend.

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Standings

Position	PT	PJ	PG	PE	PP
2 RMA	83	37	26	5	6
3 VLL	69	37	21	6	10
4 ATM	69	37	21	6	10
5 BET	57	36	14	15	7
6 CEL	51	37	13	12	12

Position	PT	PJ	PG	PE	PP
16 OSA	42	37	11	9	17
17 ELC	42	37	10	12	15
18 GIR	40	37	9	13	15
19 MLL	39	37	10	9	18
20 OVI	29	37	6	11	20