Report: Griezmann hands Atlético their Christmas present | OneFootball

Atlético de Madrid bid farewell to 2025 at the Metropolitano against Valencia. A deceptively simple match, with the need to take all three points after two consecutive defeats in La Liga. For their part, the Ché side also wanted to win and cause an upset at the Colchonero stronghold.

And they almost did so just 24 seconds into the match. Nahuel made a mistake with his pass and Hugo Duro, lobbing over Oblak, hit the crossbar. Atlético were saved, stunned by Valencia’s early chance and looking to react. And they did so with a great Sørloth, who, after his good performance in Eindhoven, wanted to repeat at the Metropolitano. But it was Koke, the captain, a quarter of an hour in, who saved a shaky start.

Following a corner, Agirrezabala parried a ball that fell to Koke, who, with the inside of his foot and great composure, scored the opener. Good feelings after the goal, in a match that became sluggish despite the Christmas festivities at the Metropolitano. And with Valencia eager to spoil the rojiblanca party.

They could have done so just past the half-hour mark. A corner, a scramble, ended with the ball in Oblak’s net. But, as expected, VAR disallowed Valencia’s goal for offside. With a scare and the team on alert, the match went to halftime with a narrow lead.

Suffering without play and a Griezmann wonder

The second half began with Nahuel substituted after a very poor first half. With barely any play or chances, the final match of the year at the Metropolitano reached the hour mark. And it was then that Beltrán, with a brilliant move, scored the equalizer from the edge of the box.

It was time to turn things around and the match was slipping away. Chances weren’t coming and the play was sluggish, with Valencia well positioned at the back. Then, with a pinpoint pass from Pubill behind the defense, Griezmann controlled it in the box and finished with a spectacular shot.

Atlético took the lead again and secured three important points. The win was sealed minutes later by a great Sørloth, but the referee disallowed the goal for a clear offside. The match entered its final stretch and, despite the suffering, Atlético received the best Christmas gift: three crucial points.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.