A ride with the ball at the feet, two defenders eliminated and a perfect pass slipped into the feet of Thomas Lemar for the 3-1: this action worthy of the great Antoine Griezmann, carried out eight days ago against Betis Sevilla, testifies to the rebirth of the world champion.
The French striker of Atlético Madrid, Antoine Griezmann, in the fight with the Portuguese midfielder of Betis Sevilla, William Carvalho, during the 27th day of La Liga, March 6, 2022 in Seville CRISTINA QUICLER AFP / Archives
Because since his return to Atlético sealed in the last hours of the transfer window last summer, the 2021-2022 season for "Grizou" has not been a long calm river.
On December 13, during the derby of the Spanish capital lost 2-0 against Real Madrid, Griezmann left the lawn at half-time, victim of a muscular injury to the hamstrings of the right leg.
On December 30, he tested positive for Covid-19.
Returning in early January, the striker wants to test himself on January 6 against Rayo Majadahonda in the round of 16 of the King's Cup (5-0).
Patatras is the relapse.
Twenty minutes after coming into play and ten after scoring the 4th goal for Colchoneros (67th), he had to give up his place, in tears, bringing his hands to his face and escorted by the trainers.
Atlético Madrid's French striker Antoine Griezmann during the Champions League group match against AC Milan on November 24, 2021 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium OSCAR DEL POZO AFP / Archives
"It scared me a little"
Renowned for his physical reliability, the "Little Prince", 30, had only missed four matches in more than 10 years of career before the start of the current exercise.
This season alone, he has already missed 15.
But the first leg against Manchester United, on February 23 at Wanda-Metropolitano (1-1), marked the start of spring for Griezmann, aligned 15 minutes late in the game.
Since then, he has been scrounging up minutes game after game, meticulously following the preparation program similar to a pre-season plan put in place by Diego Simeone and his management.
"It's important to take it step by step, because for me it's essential not to relapse again. We're doing things the right way," said the striker in a video broadcast on Sunday on the club website.
Atlético Madrid's French striker Antoine Griezmann (1st shot) warming up among his teammates on September 27, 2021 in Majadahonda, on the eve of the Champions League group match against AC Milan to Madrid JAVIER SORIANO AFP/Archives
"The worst thing was not being able to help the team. Not being able to enjoy football, the ball. It was all new to me. It was a mixture of sadness and fear," said the Frenchman. remembering his injury after the match against Celta Vigo on February 26.
"It's the first time I've stayed so long on the floor. It scared me a little. But hey, I'm here, I'm gaining minutes and confidence in my hamstring".
Three months without a goal
Against Betis Sevilla on March 6, Diego Simeone was forced to start him earlier than expected after Angel Correa was injured.
And in an hour of play, Griezmann has regained his level of play before his injury at the Bernabéu.
The best offensives started from his feet in the second half and it was he who offered the ball 3-1 to Lemar after a sublime individual action.
The joy of the French striker of Atlético Madrid, Antoine Griezmann, and the Argentine coach Diego Simeone, after the 3rd goal scored by his teammate Thomas Lemar against Real Betis, during the 27th day of La Liga, the 6 March 2022 at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium CRISTINA QUICLER AFP/Archives
Like all Rojiblancos, Griezmann did not show his best level against Cadiz (1-0) on Friday in La Liga.
"He struggled a lot to get into his game. If Atlético don't have the ball, it's hard for Griezmann to shine. He kept offering cut-offs, but was only found "On rare occasions. He had to think more about defensive tasks than attacking play," summed up the Spanish daily Marca.
Lemar victim of a relapse of his injury to the right thigh, Angel Correa uncertain due to a large bruise on one foot and Yannick Carrasco suspended, Griezmann will have to put on a costume neglected for more than three months on Tuesday: that of striker.
Even a saviour.
© 2022 AFP