Following the disappointment in the Copa del Rey final, Atlético Madrid were knocked out in the Champions League semi-finals by Arsenal. Antoine Griezmann, who put in a mixed performance at the Emirates, will therefore not be leaving the Colchoneros with a trophy.
No happy ending. Having announced his departure at the end of the season following ten years of good but not always loyal service, Antoine Griezmann will not be leaving Atlético Madrid with a trophy.
The disappointment in the Copa del Rey final against Real Sociedad (2-2, 3-4 on penalties) was followed by elimination in the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal (0-1, 1-1) on Tuesday. Having performed rather well in the first leg, the Madrid club’s all-time leading goalscorer failed to shine in the return leg.
Griezmann on a disappointing Champions League podium
What stands out from his performance? A high work rate, as always, a good cut-back cross that could have been decisive for Giuliano Simeone, a shot saved by Raya, and that controversial incident in the box, where he might have been awarded a penalty had it not been for a foul by one of his teammates beforehand. But also numerous poor choices on certain counter-attacks, and an inability to make the difference against an unyielding Arsenal side that were far too mobile in midfield.
A mixed performance, then, for the final match of his Champions League career. ‘Grizou’ ends his Champions League journey on a sad note, finding himself among the players who have played the most matches in Europe’s premier club competition without ever winning it. With 120 appearances to his name, he is surpassed by Gianluigi Buffon and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (124 appearances each), whilst his teammate Koke (118 appearances) is hot on his heels.
A legend nonetheless
The former FC Barcelona player will therefore not be able to erase the memory of the final lost with the Colchoneros against Real Madrid in 2016, during which he notably missed a penalty, just as he will leave the club of his life without having won a single major trophy in Spain. This will not, however, take away his status as a club legend, and the Madrid supporters present at the Emirates made this clear with a fine tribute following the final whistle, despite the disappointment.
Real: the Mbappé camp breaks its silence
Kylian Mbappé’s entourage issued a statement on Tuesday in response to the criticism the Real Madrid forward has faced following his trip to Sardinia. It denounced “an over-interpretation of events linked to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club”
Kylian Mbappé (27) is facing yet another spell of turmoil. The Real Madrid striker’s trip to Sardinia last weekend has sparked a flurry of reactions in Spain in recent days.
A petition calling for Mbappé’s departure
With a week to go before the Clásico against FC Barcelona, some Real Madrid fans have taken a dim view of the French international’s trip to Cagliari with his partner, Ester Exposito, whilst he continues his recovery from a left thigh injury. An online petition has even been launched calling for his departure.
Although the trip had indeed been authorised by Real Madrid, as it fell within the rest days granted to injured players, the club would nevertheless have appreciated a little more discretion regarding the break. Despite this, as reported by Marca and AS, the Madrid management continues to support its player, aware of the constant media attention surrounding Mbappé.
The player’s entourage responds to the criticism
For its part, the entourage of the France captain decided to speak out on Tuesday to respond to the criticism. “Some of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of details relating to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, which does not reflect the reality of Kylian’s commitment and the work he puts in every day for the team,” the French star’s entourage stated in a press release sent to AFP.
The 2018 World Cup winner, in fact, trained alone at Real Madrid’s training ground on Tuesday, during the team’s day off. His availability for next Sunday’s clash against Barça remains uncertain, but Mbappé is doing everything he can to be fit. For he is well aware that a successful Clásico could quickly turn the tide of public opinion regarding him.
