SPANISH League
Barcelona, Nov 9:Veteran forward Antoine Griezmann rolled back the years with a sparkling two-goal cameo off the bench to guide Atletico Madrid to a commanding 3-1 victory over Levante in the Spanish League, while Villarreal continued their strong form with a composed win over Espanyol to move temporarily above Barcelona into second place on the table.
Atletico’s all-time leading scorer once again proved his immense value to Diego Simeone’s side, even in a reduced role this season. The Frenchman, now 34, came on in the 61st minute and needed barely a minute to tilt the contest decisively in Atletico’s favour. His quick brace — his 202nd and 203rd goals for the club — ensured that the capital side stayed within touching distance of league leaders Real Madrid, who face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
Griezmann’s Instant Impact
The evening began positively for Atletico as an early own goal by Adrián de la Fuente put them ahead in the 12th minute. The defender, under pressure from Marcos Llorente’s low cross, inadvertently steered the ball into his own net, giving the hosts an early advantage. Levante, however, refused to be overawed and found the equaliser in the 21st minute when Manu Sánchez rose highest to nod home a curling delivery past goalkeeper Jan Oblak, silencing the Wanda Metropolitano crowd.
The game appeared to be drifting into a stalemate until Simeone made the decisive move from the touchline. The Argentine manager turned to his trusted lieutenant, Griezmann, who immediately altered the rhythm of the contest. Within seconds of entering the pitch, the French forward sprinted onto a precise cross from Llorente and calmly slotted the ball past the Levante goalkeeper to restore Atletico’s lead.
Griezmann wasn’t done yet. Ten minutes from time, his predatory instincts were once again on display as he reacted quickest to a rebound inside the six-yard box, poking the ball home to seal the win. The stadium erupted as the Frenchman celebrated with his trademark salute, acknowledging both his teammates and the fans who continue to revere him as one of the club’s greatest ever players.Atletico manager Diego Simeone praised Griezmann’s professionalism and impact after the match, noting how crucial his leadership remains in a side filled with younger players.
“Antoine continues to be a player of immense quality and intelligence,” Simeone said. “Even when he doesn’t start, he changes games with his energy and vision. He’s an example for everyone in the squad.”
“The teams that go far have a strong bench, and we all need to be ready when called upon,” said Griezmann.
“Of course, every player wants to play more, but I accept my role and focus on helping my teammates whenever I get the chance.”Having surpassed the legendary record of 174 goals to become Atletico’s all-time top scorer in January 2024, Griezmann continues to add new chapters to his legacy. His brace against Levante marked his fifth goal of the current season, following his earlier heroics in Atletico’s emphatic 5-2 victory over Real Madrid, where he was again among the scorers.The victory lifted Atletico level on points with Barcelona, both five points behind Real Madrid, who remain top of the table.
Villarreal Continue Their Rise
Elsewhere, Villarreal continued their impressive climb up the standings with a 2-0 win over Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium, moving provisionally into second place — one point ahead of Barcelona — before the Catalans’ visit to Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Forward Gerard Moreno, playing against his former club, opened the scoring in the 43rd minute with a superb curling effort from the edge of the box, reminding fans of his clinical touch and composure in front of goal. His strike gave the visitors a deserved halftime lead after a dominant first period of possession and pressing.
In the second half, Villarreal’s new signing Alberto Moleiro, the 22-year-old sensation from Las Palmas, doubled their advantage with a precise finish in the 57th minute. It was Moleiro’s fourth goal in six games, a run that has quickly endeared him to the Villarreal faithful. The youngster’s pace and flair have added a fresh attacking dimension to Marcelino García Toral’s side, which looks increasingly well-balanced between experience and youthful energy. (AP)
