Griezmann masterclass outshines Lamine as Atleti demolish Barça
Antoine Griezmann rolled back the years with a vintage performance as Atlético Madrid thrashed Barcelona in a Copa del Rey spectacle at the Metropolitano.
In a night when all eyes were on Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, it was 34-year-old Antoine Griezmann who stole the show with a performance straight out of the top drawer for Atlético Madrid.
Griezmann turns back the clock
Absolute scenes at the Metropolitano as Griezmann put on a proper football clinic. Simeone’s decision to deploy the Frenchman in midfield – covering for the injured Barrios and benched Baena – turned out to be an absolute masterstroke.
The 34-year-old was everywhere, scoring, assisting, creating chances with his trademark vision, and even pressing like a man possessed. While we all expected 18-year-old Lamine to be the difference-maker, it was the veteran showing the youngster how it’s done, proving class truly is permanent.
Joan García’s nightmare
Even the best have off days, and Barcelona’s highly-rated keeper Joan García had an absolute shocker. After making a brilliant save, he let Eric García’s routine back pass roll under his foot for the opener. Talk about going from hero to zero in seconds! The blunder set the tone for what would become a night to forget for the Catalans.
Álvarez ends his drought
Julián Álvarez finally broke his scoring duck, netting Atleti’s fourth before half-time. The Argentine hadn’t found the net since December 9th in Eindhoven – a proper goal drought that had the rumour mill working overtime. The relief was palpable as he celebrated with Musso and teammates at the break. Sometimes all a striker needs is to see one hit the back of the onion bag.
Lookman runs Koundé ragged
Adeloye Lookman continued his blistering form since arriving in January, giving Jules Koundé – one of La Liga’s top defenders – an absolute nightmare. The Nigerian was unplayable, creating havoc down the flank and adding to his impressive goal tally. He’s been a proper breath of fresh air for Simeone’s side.
VAR chaos
In typical Spanish football fashion, we had to endure a six-minute VAR review for an offside call on what would have been Barcelona’s first goal. The delay was so long that players from both teams had to warm up again to avoid getting cold. The state of VAR in Spanish football continues to be a right dog’s dinner.