Griezmann shone, not Vinicius. REUTERS / SUSANA VERA / REUTERS / JUAN MEDINA
Buoyed by a high-class goal from Antoine Griezmann, the Colchoneros eliminated (4-2) the Merengue from a disappointing Vinicius, this Thursday in the 1/8th final of the Copa del Rey.
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Antoine Griezmann still heroic
Honored before the match by Atlético Madrid for his broken record of goals with the club (now 175), the French international delivered a timid performance for many minutes. Little found by his partners, not very technically inspired, “Grizou” seemed to be having a bad evening. Until his high-class action which brought down Real Madrid during the first period of extra time (4-2 final score). Starting from the right side, he cleared Vinicius and beat Lunin with a powerful shot under the bar. A magnificent goal which allows him to leave his mark on this derby, despite his mixed performance overall. A big NBA fan, Griezmann often knew how to be “clutch” at the very right moment. The Wanda Metropolitano will only remember that, without a doubt.
Jude Bellingham was everywhere
Decisive passer on the 2-2 goal scored by Joselu, the English midfielder displayed all his talent even if he plunged physically during extra time. Before that, his offensive moves and his technical accuracy put Atlético’s defense to torment, which nevertheless carried out numerous two-man holds. Still in the direction of the game, Bellingham participated in all of the Merengue’s actions (or almost), notably hitting the crossbar in the first quarter of an hour. The new Madrid star will not have much to reproach himself for, unlike his main attacking partner…
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Vinicius missed out
Alongside Bellingham, the Brazilian winger missed his appointment by a wide margin. Very little success in his offensive choices, number 7 even started to complain about everything that moved when he felt that the match was slipping away from him. He was quickly warned of a yellow card for protest, which did not prevent him from railing against the referee with each unfavorable decision. To make matters worse, “Vini” experienced the same frustrations with the ball, falling into the nets of opposing defenders José Maria Gimenez, Axel Witsel and others.
Eduardo Camavinga malheureux
Established in midfield, before moving to left back when Ferland Mendy (66th) left, the Habs did not weigh enough on the match. Worse, he found himself involved in Atlético’s second goal by deflecting a pass from Llorente towards his goal. Also booked for a late foul, the former Rennais brought nothing to Real’s offensive play, in the process of inspiring the entire match. On arrival, the bill is steep for Camavinga and the Merengue, who see a national trophy pass under their noses this season.
