Griezmann class snaps losing run for Atletico
Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to guide it to a 2-1 home victory over struggling Valencia, helping Diego Simeone's side snap a LaLiga losing run and stay in touch with the leaders.
After successive defeats by Barcelona and Athletic Club, Atletico was under pressure to deliver after an impressive two-month unbeaten run that put it in the thick of LaLiga's title chase. A win at Metropolitano helped steady the ship.
Captain Koke opened the scoring in the 17th minute with his first league goal in nearly two years. The midfielder pounced on a rebound, after goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala parried Julian Alvarez's effort from a corner, slotting it calmly into the net.
Valencia, battling to stay out of the relegation zone, thought it had levelled through Pepelu's close-range effort in the 34th. However, the goal was chalked off after a protracted video assistant referee (VAR) review, which ruled Hugo Duro offside in the build-up.
Lucas Beltran eventually provided the equaliser for the visitors in the 63rd minute with a moment of brilliance.
The 24-year-old Argentine skilfully weaved past two defenders before unleashing a swerving strike that nestled inside the top-left corner of Jan Oblak's net, leaving the Slovenian goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The quality of Beltran's goal seemed to momentarily unsettle Atletico but Griezmann restored order 12 minutes later, expertly controlling a long pass from Marc Pubill before hammering a thunderous half-volley into the top corner from close range.
"The team was coming off a tough win at PSV in the [UEFA] Champions League midweek," Griezmann said.
"We struggled today, but we substitutes came on to look for a spark and I'm glad that we found it.
"I'm happy here. I have a wonderful family, wonderful fans, live in a wonderful city ... and I'm happy. I'm going to make the most of every minute I get," the Frenchman added.
Atletico remains fourth with 34 points, one point behind Villarreal in third.
The defeat leaves Valencia 16th on 15 points, teetering a point above the relegation zone.
Simeone said he was grateful for the experience littered throughout his team, which helped guide it to victory.
"Today [Griezmann] he helps the team, he has fun and this step that he and Koke are going through help the team, that is what their presence in the squad is about," Simeone said.
"They don't bring problems because they understand their place, they know that the years have passed, they accept the role because it is in a place in the squad and they give their best as Antoine and Koke are reflecting today."
Simeone also praised the performance of Marc Pubill, talking up his future prospects for the Spain national side going forward.
The 22-year-old right-back provided an assist, won all six of his aerial duels, and made nine recoveries and seven clearances during the match.
"He continues in continuous progression, it will not take long for him to reach the national team.
"He can play as a full-back, as a centre-back or as a third centre-back and he has to maintain his humility in front of the newspapers and other beautiful words to continue maintaining that work he has done with a lot of patience."
