Antoine Griezmann’s exceptional hat-trick performance powered Atletico Madrid to a decisive 3-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga on Wednesday, securing their spot in the prestigious Champions League next season.
Under the guidance of Diego Simeone, the Atletico side guaranteed their placement in the top four, ensuring their participation in Europe’s premier competition for the 12th consecutive season.
Fueled by the exceptional performance of French international Griezmann, the Rojiblancos triumphed in the Madrid suburbs at Getafe’s Coliseum Alfonso Perez. Atletico, currently in fourth place, trail Girona by two points, while holding an 11-point lead over fifth-place Athletic Bilbao, who suffered a 2-1 defeat against struggling Celta Vigo.
Despite a strong start and being the only team in Spain to defeat the new champions Real Madrid this season, Atletico’s campaign began to falter. They were eliminated by Athletic in the Copa del Rey semi-finals and by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals. Atletico understood that a victory would secure their return to the competition next season, and the outstanding performance by Griezmann left Getafe, currently in 10th place, with no opportunity to respond.
The 33-year-old forward, who had only scored twice in his last 13 La Liga matches, dispelled any concerns about his form by registering his second hat-trick of the season. Atletico’s all-time leading goalscorer broke the deadlock in the 27th minute after capitalizing on Rodrigo De Paul’s well-placed pass and beating Getafe goalkeeper David Soria with a precise strike.
Griezmann doubled his tally before halftime from Angel Correa’s pass into the box, with the goal being validated after a VAR review following an initial offside call. The former Real Sociedad striker completed his hat-trick in the second half, finishing off a swift Atletico attack. The away team showcased their ball-handling skills from the defense, with Lino finding Griezmann, who slotted the ball home at the near post for his 16th league goal of the season.
Celta’s come-from-behind victory against Athletic has put Cadiz’s survival hopes in jeopardy, despite their late 1-0 win over Sevilla. Goals from Williot Swedberg and Hugo Alvarez secured the triumph for Celta at Balaidos, moving them five points clear of the relegation zone after Alex Berenguer had initially given Copa del Rey champions Athletic the lead.
Sergio Guardiola’s 96th-minute winner for 18th-placed Cadiz means they are four points away from safety with only two matches left.
From Songu Michael
