Griezmann: Atlético Win vs Valencia – Match Report

Bad game from a thick and not very intense Atlético, very meritorious that of the daring although decimated Valencia, but three more points that remain in the red-and-white fortress of the Metropolitan to close the calendar year in this scenario. The difference, the budget and the individual quality of each other. Lucas Beltrán had balanced, thanks to a huge right hand from the edge, a duel that Koke opened, but suddenly Griezmann appeared to unevent everything.

He is approaching 35 years old and has accepted his role as a regular substitute, but a touch of the Frenchman paints a valuable picture. This is how Antoine turned a long pass from Pubill into magnificent control and an unappealable left-footed shot. Although in many phases of the match it seemed like they were throwing away the League, Simeone’s team is still alive and recovering after consecutive defeats at the Camp Nou and San Mamés.

Atlético came out sleepy and Valencia was very brave, with good footing and high pressure. And Cholo didn’t give anything away at the start and repeated the same eleven that triumphed in Eindhoven and Corberán had to make a mistake due to the flu that left out Rioja and Gayà and Javi Guerra on the bench.

Barely half a minute and Hugo Duro was about to score what would have been his sixth goal in eight games against Atlético, his favorite victim. Due to a rude mistake by Giuliano, he gave a uro ball to the striker Che, who touched on Oblak’s exit and the ball hit the crossbar over the top. Then, two gifts from the Slovenian goalkeeper and Nahuel at the start, gave more encouragement and he went in his bet on the Valencians.

The problem is that this Corberán team is in bad dynamics and has a glass jaw. Atlético barely needed a couple of approaches to take the lead. First, Agirrezabala saved Sorloth’s low, dry shot, after a great deep pass from Barrios. Then, following a corner taken by Julián low and at the near post, the Basque goalkeeper deflected Ruggeri’s shot, but Koke scored after the rebound with an inside pass into the net. First goal this season for the Colchonero captain, called upon to play a residual role in preseason but the undisputed starter 16 days later.

Despite the blow to the chin, Valencia continued better until half-time. But he failed to take advantage of the relaxation of the colchoneros, evidenced by a touch of spur from Ruggeri that outraged Cholo. Even the visitors celebrated Joselu’s equalizer, also the result of a strategic action, but the VAR annulled the action due to a previous, and almost millimeter, offside by Hugo Duro.

This spider does not bite

The lawsuit was resumed without Molina and with Le Normand. Unequivocal proof that Cholo did not see it clearly at all, he soon removed Nico, Barrios and Julián, who is still on the decline, in one fell swoop. They looked for more energy with Gallagher, Almada and Griezmann, but Atlético remained thick, confused and flawed. The change went better for Corberán, since the new Beltrán grabbed a huge shot from the edge of the area to tie.

Atlético had to see the wolf’s ears to wake up. Valencia also took a step back, hurt by Comert’s injury. The colchoneros were already dominating, but they did not cause concern until Griezmann scored one of his best goals for the red and white team. He punctured an almost impossible ball from Pubill with his left foot and the Frenchman scored the ball early. Brutal. Sorloth could have secured a somewhat more comfortable victory, but his beautiful goal, assisted by Griezmann, was disallowed for obvious offside. 21 wins in 26 games for Atlético in 2025 against their fans.