Atlético Madrid secured a vital 3-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao at the Metropolitano Stadium on Friday, April 25, 2026, with Antoine Griezmann scoring the equaliser that ignited their comeback. The win came just five days before the club’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
Bilbao took an early lead through Oihan Sancet in the 15th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot home low past Jan Oblak. Atlético struggled to create clear chances in the opening period, with Bilbao’s high press disrupting their build-up play. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after the hour mark when Gorka Guruzeta finished a swift counter-attack, leaving Atlético facing a 2-0 deficit with less than half an hour remaining.
The turning point arrived in the 76th minute when Griezmann pulled one back for the home side. Receiving the ball just outside the box after a quick one-two with Rodrigo De Paul, the French international turned his marker and fired a low drive into the bottom corner, giving Atlético a lifeline. The goal sparked renewed energy in the home crowd as the visitors began to retreat.
Atlético’s pressure intensified in the closing stages, and their persistence was rewarded in the 84th minute when Ángel Correa equalised. After a series of rebounds inside the Bilbao penalty area, Correa reacted quickest to poke the ball past Unai Simón from close range, completing a remarkable turnaround. The stadium erupted as the scoreboard read 2-2 with time running out.
In the fifth minute of added time, Atlético snatched the winner when substitute Samu Omorodion latched onto a long ball over the top, rounded the advancing goalkeeper, and slid the ball into the empty net. The late goal sent the home fans into delirium and provided manager Diego Simeone with a significant boost ahead of the Arsenal encounter.
The victory moved Atlético Madrid to third place in the La Liga table with 62 points from 32 matches, four points behind leaders Barcelona and two ahead of Real Madrid in fourth. Athletic Bilbao remained in eighth position with 44 points. The result maintained Atlético’s push for a Champions League qualification spot whereas keeping their hopes alive of overhauling the teams above them.
For Griezmann, the goal marked his 44th for the French national team and continued his resurgence since returning to Atlético Madrid on a permanent basis in summer 2022. The forward has now scored 44 goals in 131 appearances for the club since his comeback, contributing significantly to their attacking output this season.
Looking ahead, Atlético Madrid will travel to London to face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, at Emirates Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST (19:00 UTC). The return leg will take place at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday, May 6, 2026.
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