Madrid (AFP)

When Atlético Madrid awaited the return of its hero Antoine Griezmann, Sunday, it was Thomas Lemar who emerged: the two French designers could be associated and carry the attack of the "Colchoneros" Wednesday (21:00) against Porto for the first Champions League day.

On the ground of Espanyol Barcelona, ​​Sunday in Liga, a miracle appeared: not the return of Griezmann in the jersey of Atlético, two years after his tumultuous departure for Barça.

But the goal of his compatriot Lemar in the 90th + 9, at the end of hope (2-1).

Entered after half-time to try to wake up this sleeping "Atleti" a little, Lemar fulfilled his function perfectly.

He opened up the field and the ball-to-foot possibilities, and even scored a disallowed first goal for an offside position after endless minutes.

"He's having a very good time. With the French selection, he had a digestive problem, he lost 3 or 4 kilos. So I hesitated to bring him in, I thought I would save him for Wednesday," commented l coach Diego Simeone.

"He's the player we went to look for in Monaco, he's the player the team needs. He has verticality, he can hit from the right, from the left, he works for the team ... It is a very important piece for us, who had already progressed well last season even if he could not score that many goals. I hope that this season the goals will be with him ", the a praised the Argentinian technician.

- "Lemar and ten others" -

The Spanish press also praised the French attacking midfielder's start to the season on Sunday night: "The Frenchman's entry into play transfigured his team after a first period to forget. There was a before and after his entry. He became the best player of Atlético and all the attacking actions were born between his feet. He had already been the best against Villarreal (2-2) ", celebrated the sports daily Marca on its site.

Villarreal center forward Yeremi Pino (left) grapples with French Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Lemar during a league match between the two teams at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on August 29, 2021 PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU AFP / Archives

A stormy start to the season that contrasts with the failed return of Antoine Griezmann, completely transparent for his premiere on Sunday.

But against Porto, in the queen of European competitions, the "Little Prince", who returned to the short haircut he wore during his first visit to the Spanish capital, could put on his coat of light.

Thomas Lemar's return to his best level will not overshadow the new N.8 rojiblanco, whose place in the eleven seems almost indisputable.

On the contrary: the emergence of the Guadeloupean creative could facilitate the task of "Grizi", who will be able to return to a freer role, like the one he had between 2014 and 2019 under the orders of Simeone, far from the straitjacket imposed by his coaches successive at Barça.

- Honor regained?

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However, it will be necessary to monitor the reception that the supporters will reserve to their protected returning, whom they had cheerfully booed and whistled during his return to the Metropolitano stadium in the fall of 2019 in the Blaugrana jersey.

The plaque with Griezmann's name installed on the floor of the stadium's esplanade has been covered with filth in recent months.

'Grizi' is expected to finally convince the remaining skeptics to return their jackets, however, after most fans have already been wowed by his words in his comeback video released by the club.

French Atletico Madrid midfielder Antoine Griezmann during a training session at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on September 14, 2021 GABRIEL BOUYS AFP

"I absolutely wanted to come back, I think it's the best place for me, for me to be happy. Being a + Colchonero + is the most beautiful thing that has happened to me in recent years," said the Habs.

All eyes will be on the French N.8 on Wednesday evening.

Because if his first freelance in Madrid was successful, a trophy still escapes him, just like at the Rojiblanco club: the Champions League.

© 2021 AFP