Antoine Griezmann, Atlético de Madrid forward, acknowledged that he still cannot get over the penalty he missed in the 2016 Champions League final against Real Madrid and assured that the only way to put that moment behind him is to win the tournament this season.
“It’s not something I think about every day, but every time we talk about the Champions League with friends or colleagues, that moment from 2016 always comes up, the penalty,” he recalled in an interview with UEFA.
The Frenchman was clear about what it would mean to lift the trophy: “It would be closing a very deep wound. The only way to overcome it is to win it this year.”
Griezmann also expressed his strong bond with the rojiblanco club. “What I feel for Atlético goes beyond love. It is love for the colors, for the crest, for the football that the fans represent and for hard work. That is why I connected so quickly with the club,” he explained.
In addition, he highlighted the importance of Diego Simeone in his career. “He has given me everything and I have given him everything. I really enjoy having him as a coach and I know that, beyond football, we will always have a very close relationship,” he said.
A complicated challenge against Arsenal
In sports, Atlético de Madrid will face a tough test against Arsenal in the Champions League, especially due to the defensive solidity of the English team.
The London team has conceded only five goals in the entire competition, making it one of the strongest teams at the back. In contrast, Atlético has shown defensive weaknesses, with 26 goals conceded in 14 games.
“The basis of this tie will be the defense. They are very strong at the back. They don’t score as many goals, but they win games because of their solidity,” analyzed the red and white striker Alexander Sorloth.
Arsenal, led in defense by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, in addition to the Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, have kept a clean sheet in eight of their 12 games in this Champions League, with a balance of ten wins and two draws.
For his part, the Atlético has received 82 shots on goal in the tournament, with an average of six per game, which reflects its defensive difficulties. Only in one of his 14 games did he manage to keep a clean sheet.
Despite this, Simeone’s team has compensated with its offensive capacity, scoring 34 goals in the tournament, being one of the most effective attacks.
The tie is shaping up to be very close, where the details will make the difference. For Atlético, improving in defense will be key if they want to advance and keep alive the dream of winning the Champions League, the title that Griezmann longs for to close a wound that is still open.
Grizi 🕺
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— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 27, 2026