Antoine Griezmann’s stellar performance propelled Atletico Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Getafe on Wednesday, clinching Champions League qualification for Diego Simeone’s side in La Liga.
With this win, Atletico Madrid secures their spot in Europe’s premier competition for the 12th consecutive season, maintaining their position in the top four of the league standings.
Griezmann, the French international, was the star of the match, netting a hat-trick to ensure victory for the Rojiblancos at Getafe’s Coliseum Alfonso Perez.
Atletico Madrid currently sits in fourth place, trailing Girona by two points. Their lead over fifth-place Athletic Bilbao extends to 11 points after Bilbao’s 2-1 defeat to Celta Vigo.
Despite a formidable start to the season, including being the only team in Spain to defeat champions Real Madrid, Atletico faced setbacks, notably being eliminated by Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey semi-finals and by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Griezmann’s superb performance against Getafe showcased his prowess, dispelling concerns over his recent form. The 33-year-old forward, who had previously scored only twice in his last 13 La Liga appearances, delivered his second hat-trick of the campaign.
“It’s been a lot of years getting into the Champions League, which is something to value, but with the team we have and the talent we have, and the coach we have, it’s something we have to do,” remarked Griezmann.
Griezmann’s goals came in the 27th minute, just before halftime, and after the break, demonstrating his clinical finishing and crucial contributions to Atletico’s victory.
Diego Simeone praised the team’s effort, emphasizing the importance of securing their Champions League spot.
Meanwhile, Celta Vigo’s comeback win over Athletic Bilbao and Cadiz’s late victory against Sevilla have implications for the relegation battle, with Cadiz’s survival hopes hanging by a thread.
In summary, Griezmann’s hat-trick not only secured Atletico Madrid’s Champions League qualification but also underscored his significance to the team’s success this season.
