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Champions League: Atletico first in its group thanks to Griezmann, still a scorer

Eliminated prematurely last year, Atlético Madrid ensured that they finished first in Group E on Wednesday by dominating Lazio (2-0) on the final day of the Champions League group stage, thanks in particular to a new goal from Antoine Griezmann.

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Champions League: Atletico first in its group thanks to Griezmann, still a scorer

Eliminated prematurely last year, Atlético Madrid ensured that they finished first in Group E on Wednesday by dominating Lazio (2-0) on the final day of the Champions League group stage, thanks in particular to a new goal from Antoine Griezmann.

Building on this eleventh consecutive victory of the season at home in all competitions, the Colchoneros (1st, 14 points) are ahead of their evening opponent, also qualified for the round of 16. A first since 2016/17, after four consecutive qualifications in second place in their group between 2018-2022.

With both teams qualified at kick-off, Atlético only needed a draw to maintain the lead. But he showed a playful and attractive face, played as often by Antoine Griezmann, once again decisive.

The French striker, positioned at the forefront alongside Correa, was rather discreet but was still in the right place at the right time to open the scoring in the 6th minute receiving a cross from Lino (6th, 1- 0). A fifth achievement in six C1 matches this season which makes him the co-top scorer in the competition with Erling Haaland, Rasmus Hojlund and his friend Alvaro Morata. Above all, it brings him a little closer to his current “obsession”: becoming the top scorer in the history of his club. With 171 goals, he is only two steps away from equaling the record of Spanish legend Luis Aragonés (173).

Surely with this mark in mind, the 2018 world champion forgot his teammates to attempt a shot at the end of the race which ended up in the stands (43rd). “Grizou”, who continues to widen an abysmal gap with his competitors as the top Rojiblanco scorer in C1 (31), finally came out as a precaution at half-time while Atlético had the match in hand.

Indispensable to his team's play and on cloud nine since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Maconnais had so far played almost all of the Colchoneros' matches in full. His exit did not thwart the plans of Diego Simeone, who was able to exult a second time after a half-volley in the top corner from the right of Samuel Lino (51st, 2-0), perfect in his role of left piston since his returning from loan from Valencia this summer. The Brazilian winger has been involved in five goals in four C1 matches (2 goals, 3 assists).

The Argentine coach even allowed himself to rotate, notably launching Memphis Depay (entered in place of Griezmann), Alvaro Morata and Koke, and the two teams had the impression of being satisfied with the result. Unlike the first leg, where an incredible goal from Laziale goalkeeper Provedel from a corner in added time allowed the Italians to secure a draw (1-1), there was no final twist for Mattéo Guendouzi and his teammates.

The two teams now await their future opponents in the round of 16 in the draw which must take place on Monday, where Spain will therefore have four representatives (Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, ​​Atlético Madrid and Real Sociedad).

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