Atletico Madrid 3-1 Villarreal (Nov 12, 2023) Game Analysis

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and Samuel Lino scored crucial goals late in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory over Villarreal in their LaLiga clash in the Spanish capital on Sunday.

Currently in fourth place with 28 points and holding a game in hand on their rivals, Atletico are within striking distance of third-placed Barcelona, who are two points ahead. Meanwhile, Real Madrid sit in second with 32 points, just behind surprise leaders Girona on 34.

Struggling Villarreal, who dismissed their manager Jose Rojo “Pacheta” on Friday, took an early lead through Gerard Moreno’s first-time strike in the 20th minute. However, it was Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak’s stunning save with his chest that prevented the visitors from extending their advantage, as Alexander Sorloth was forced off with a leg injury in the 36th minute.

Despite the setback, Atletico, the only LaLiga team to have won all their home games this season, clawed their way back into the game with a close-range strike from defender Axel Witsel in added time before the break, following a cross from Griezmann.

After dominating possession in the second half, Atletico finally took the lead in the 80th minute when Griezmann finished off a superb first-time cross from substitute Pablo Barrios. This marked Griezmann’s eighth goal in 12 LaLiga matches this season, putting him just two goals behind league-leading scorer Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid, who has netted 10 goals in 11 games.

Having an outstanding season, Griezmann, who serves as the captain for France, has scored 11 goals and provided four assists in all competitions so far. Meanwhile, in a sold-out Metropolitano, Atletico kept pushing forward and ultimately sealed the victory with Lino’s fine individual effort, making it a season to remember for the 33-year-old Griezmann.

Reflecting on the match, Griezmann praised the support of the fans, stating, “It could be fatigue and that’s why those on the bench have to come on like today — they made all the difference. We have been delivering at home thanks to our amazing fans. It’s a source of pride, they push us. After 80 minutes we are dead and thanks to them we feel like giving more.”