Early goal and Maeda being sent off
The match opened with a sharp edge as Atlético claimed the lead in the sixth minute. Griezmann, a player known for his clinical touch and creative spark, capitalized on Celtic’s hesitant ball release to fire the opening shot. A defender’s touch nudged the ball past Hart, removing any doubt about the shot’s purpose. From that moment, the balance shifted and the visitors began to control possession and tempo, forcing Celtic to chase the game.
On one flank Luis Palma and on the other Maeda formed a pairing that unsettled Atlético in their first encounter. The Japanese‑American duo carried danger early on, but a moment of misfortune decided the game for Celtic. Maeda aimed a left handed strike that he could not fully guide with his weaker foot, and the contact challenged Mario Hermoso’s ankle. The video review confirmed a red card, sending Celtic to ten men and removing a major attacking option. The visitors were left with a tall defensive task and a chance to exploit Celtic’s numerical disadvantage. The match then took on a more controlled rhythm for Atlético, with a man advantage that was not immediately exploited, but gradually leveraged as the game progressed.
The team’s superiority did not rush into a quick flood of goals, yet Atlético moved with a steady, purposeful pace. Riquelme emerged as one of the standout players, growing into a crucial facet of the team’s evolving approach. His development under the guidance of the coach has become a defining feature, blending technique and risk with bold decision making. This style, a practical and daring synthesis of football ideas, began to shape the game in Atlético’s favor.
Griezmann can play anything
At times the game showed how Morata and Griezmann complemented each other. A moment of defensive misfortune allowed Oblak to showcase his reliability, while Griezmann showed his versatility by taking on offensive duties that kept Celtic’s defense guessing. After Maeda’s sending off, Griezmann shifted to a more advanced role, distributing opportunities to teammates. Nahuel Molina presented a constant outlet with a threatening volley that could have sealed the match, illustrating the depth of Atlético’s attacking options.
Following an intense opening phase, Atlético regained momentum before the halftime whistle. Morata added a second goal, powered by a remarkable sequence guided by Griezmann’s creativity. The Frenchman supplied the ball to Giménez, who delivered a precise cross for the Spanish striker to convert. Morata’s achievement marked his eleventh goal of the season, one more than Griezmann, as Atlético reaffirmed their intent to push for a decisive advantage before the break. The home side finished the first half with confidence and a sense that their plan was taking shape.
Applause for Griezmann and the goal from Lino
The second half unfolded with the theater of a well-executed performance. Atlético pressed high and moved as a unit, creating moments of real beauty for the crowd. Witsel’s shot in Chilean air met Giménez’s header on the line, a moment that signaled the relentless pressure the team applied. Yet the standout moment came when Griezmann again showed his quality, delivering an acrobatic strike after a smart intersection with Riquelme. The goal sealed the match and drew a stadium full of applause for the Frenchman, who was celebrated with a sustained ovation shortly after the hour mark. Atlético continued to press, and Lino and Morata added further insurance as the clock wound down. The result left the squad with a growing sense of confidence and a reminder of the season’s earlier setback against Las Palmas fading from memory.
The spectacle was marked by a series of bold touches and intelligent rotations that reflected a team in command of its strategic plan. Saúl entered as the game settled into its final phase, contributing to a performance that suggested Atlético could sustain pressure and manage outcomes even in tight situations. The match finished with a chorus of cheers and a sense that the night would be remembered for its standout display from Griezmann and the strong contribution from Lino, Morata, and the rest of the squad. The home fans left satisfied, having witnessed a performance that combined discipline with creative flair and a clear sense of purpose. The evening reinforced Atlético’s belief in their attacking identity and the value of adaptability in a high-stakes European setting. This was football with character and a hunger to win, a night that the club and its supporters will recall with pride. This assessment comes from observers of the competition and pundits who followed the match closely, noting the flow and impact of Atlético’s game plan. In the broader context of the campaign, the results cement a narrative of resilience and tactical growth for the Atlético squad. A confident trajectory was emerging as the team prepared for forthcoming challenges, with Griezmann’s breadth of contribution standing out as a defining feature of the performance. [citation: Movistar Plus coverage and match analysis]