Belfast Telegraph

Griezmann nets double as Atleti ease to Euro joy

- BY MARK MANN-BRYANS

ANTOINE Griezmann struck twice as Atletico Madrid powered past Marseille to lift their third Europa League title in nine years.

The 27-year-old, who faces a summer of speculatio­n over a move away from the Wanda Metropolit­ano, scored in each half — with Gabi striking late on to seal a 3-0 win for Atletico.

Coach Diego Simeone watched on from the stands having been hit with a four-game ban for being sent off during the semi-final first-leg at Arsenal but still saw his side ease to victory.

Marseille did not create enough to break down one of Europe’s toughest defences and their chances of causing an upset took a blow with Dimitri Payet limping off injured in the first half.

Griezmann, who scored in every knockout round for Madrid after they dropped down from the Champions League, proved to be the difference with two smart finishes more than enough to seal the trophy.

The French side should have been ahead inside the opening four minutes with Payet feeding Valere Germain, who could only fire wide when through on goal.

Adil Rami shot wide shortly afterwards and the Ligue 1 outfit were more than holding their own until they all-but gifted the opener to Griezmann.

Zambo Anguissa could not control Steve Mandanda’s ball out from the back and Atleti pounced, Gabi nipping in to play in Griezmann for the finish.

Griezmann doubled the advantage less than five minutes after the interval, Koke providing the assist for a clever dinked finish for the France forward.

Marseille were struggling to create the chances required to reduce the arrears as Madrid started to kill the game in a manner they are renowned for, although substitute Kostas Mitroglou hit the post with a header.

Skipper Gabi added a rare goal late on to secure a comfortabl­e night at the office for Atletico, who brought on Fernando Torres in stoppage time for his final appearance for the club.

 ??  ?? Glory night: Atletico Madrid toast Europa League success
Glory night: Atletico Madrid toast Europa League success

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