Atletico Madrid engaged in an exhilarating 3-3 draw against Getafe in the Madrid derby at Civitas Metropolitan Stadium on Tuesday. The Diego Simeone-managed side conceded an added-time equalizer through a penalty, denying them three crucial points at home in La Liga matchday 17.
Atleti’s star Antoine Griezmann, often hailed as one of the most efficient and underrated players in soccer, once again proved his significance for his club. The Frenchman scored a brace in the match, achieving a historic milestone in the red and white colors of Atletico Madrid.
Griezmann marks historical milestone
Nearly a decade ago in 2014 Antoine Griezmann joined Atletico Madrid from Real Sociedad as a promising talent. Over the years, he has become one of the club’s legends, solidifying his status with a recent historic feat. The forward is also among the leading active appearance maker for the club.
In 2019, the French international parted ways with Los Colchoneros to join arch-rivals FC Barcelona. After playing a few seasons for the Catalan giants, Griezmann was then loaned back to the Metropolitano and permanently returned to Madrid, where he is now regarded as a hero.
Currently, the 32-year-old is savoring his second spell in Madrid, enjoying regular minutes and delivering consistent performances as he continues to play a pivotal role in Simeone’s squad. Recently, he achieved a remarkable feat by matching Lionel Messi’s number of ‘Player of the Month’ award with his stunning performances.
Undoubtedly, he is one of the most appreciated and loved figures at the club among fans. Additionally, the player himself had expressed his aim to become a club legend, dismissing talks about his future links to a Premier League transfer. There is mutual respect between both the club and the Frenchman.
Subsequently, he has now become Atleti’s all-time top goal-scorer, netting 173 goals in a total of 364 appearances. Griezmann’s two goals against Getafe have put him on par with Luis Aragones, currently tied as the joint-highest scorer in the club’s history.
Griezmann’s achievement echoes Luís Aragones
In the recent league clash, Atletico Madrid found themselves down to 10 men following a red card to Stefan Savic in the first half. Despite this setback, the in-form Antoine Griezmann struck twice, and Morata added a goal, giving them a comfortable 2-1 advantage. However, their opponents came from behind to level the scoreline.
The draw marked the first time boss Diego Simeone’s team dropped points at home this season, consequently placing them in third place on the points table.
However, the special moment arrived when the French forward netted his second goal in the 69th minute from a penalty kick, crowning him the club’s joint-top scorer, as he ran across to celebrate the record with his boss on the sideline.
Simone congratulated the player, stating, “I am absolutely delighted for Griezmann, a player who is now part of the club’s history. He has always given everything and is very important for us.”
Notably, Griezmann has leveled the goals tally of club legend Luis Aragones, achieving this milestone in fewer games than him. He now holds the opportunity to surpass him in their upcoming league fixture against Sevilla next weekend.
