By Denis Turyahebwa.
The French international star scored twice as the Spanish side Atletico de Madrid smashed Marseille 3-0 in Lyon yesterday finding the back of the net in the 21st and 49th minutes respectively before captain Gabi drilled in the screamer in the 89th minute. The victory marks the club’s third Europa league title in the decade as won in 2010 and 2012 and now champions of 2018.
The brace tallied 30 goals by Griezman in all competitions this season and the celebrations could be his last at the club as he has been linked with Barcelona in the summer.
Atletico Madrid have proved to be one of Europe’s most consistent clubs reaching the champions league finals twice in four years between 2012 – 2014 but losing to rivals real Madrid and also putting a stop on Barcelona and Real Madrid’s domination to claim the 2013-14 laliga title and currently second in the Spanish top fight ahead of the giants and champions league finalists real Madrid.
The French side Marseille tried to bleach the solid Diego simeone’s Atletico backline who was in the stands serving his fourth match ban that he got after being sent off in the semi-final against the premier league arsenal but in vain as Atletico repelled to Marseille’s thrust then things turned bitter when
Marseille’s skipper Dimitri payet was subbed off in tears just 30min past the game due to the injury.
Otherwise Marseille started a better side dominating the midfield and testing Atletico’s stopper Jan Oblak but did not yield. Early in the first half Marseille proved their own witches failing to convert the golden chances including the keeper to beat from inside the box that Germaine booted wide.
Later when Atletico got their opener in the 21st minute the tables were turned upside down for Marseille with Atletico’s superb attacks and ball control in their destroyer formation 4-4-2 mingled with players’ determination and aggression. Marseille failed to deal with Ariel balls that gave a clear vision of Atletico Madrid midfield commanded by koke.
