Atlético Madrid are through to the Europa League final after a hard-fought 1-0 win at home over Arsenal.
Antoine Griezmann, who scored in the first leg, starred again on Thursday to seal his side’s place in the decider.
Here’s a closer look at the Frenchman’s performance on the night.
KEY STATS
Goals – 0
Assists – 1
Shots – 3
Shots on target – 0
Pass Accuracy – 82%
Key Passes – 2
Dribbles – 4
Touches – 75
30-SECOND REPORT
Griezmann was Atlético’s best player on the night, popping up everywhere, driving relentlessly at Arsenal’s defence, and showing his usual knack for holding up the ball and dribbling past defenders. Having scored the first-leg goal that put his team in command of the tie, he spent Thursday’s second leg driving home that advantage, and duly picked up an assist.
GOT RIGHT
Just about everything. His trademark close control and dribbling ability were on display throughout, and his link-up play with Diego Costa was outstanding. The pass he delivered for Atlético’s goal could not have been played better, a simple but lethal through ball for the former Chelsea man. Apart from that, his work rate was what any manager would dream of getting from their star player.
Griezmann set up Costa for Atletico’s winner.
GOT WRONG
His finishing was below par. There was a difficult first-half chance which he fashioned for himself, doing well to create space but shooting wide when he should have at least forced a save. He had a chance to put the game to bed in the second half when set up by Costa, but saw his shot denied by a last-ditch block.
KEY MOMENTS
39th minute, SHOT: Griezmann served notice of the threat he can possess, spinning clear of Jack Wilshere and then rolling a shot inches past the far post.
45 + 2nd minute, ASSIST: Atlético got the goal that won the tie thanks to a quick break. A long ball fell to Griezmann, whose pass to Costa was perfectly measured to allow the Spaniard to finish.
67th minute, SHOT: The Griezmann-Costa partnership was at it again, and the Frenchman will wonder how he didn’t score. Costa’s cross teed up the Atlético No. 7 in the box, only for his shot to be blocked.
VERDICT
If this is to be Griezmann’s last season at Atletico, as is likely, then Thursday’s performance was an indicator of how determined he is to end his time at the club on a winning note. On another night, he would have added a goal to cap off an excellent display. This was a display that put his side in the final.
RATING – 8/10
