Late-season momentum: Griezmann and Atlético’s ambitions

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The French striker sits 10 and 13 goals behind Atlético de Madrid’s all-time greats Campos and Aragonés in the club’s goal-scoring history. That gap keeps him in the running to become the club’s second-highest scorer ever in Spain, a chase that adds another layer to his enduring influence at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Atlético de Madrid delivered a dazzling show in the second half of the season, routing Cádiz 5-1 this Wednesday. The dominant result keeps the pursuit of second place very much alive and underscores the team’s momentum as it navigates the critical stretch of the campaign. In the center of this surge, Antoine Griezmann has emerged as a driving force for Diego Simeone’s squad, offering leadership and clinical finishing when the moment calls for it.

With a brace against Cádiz, the French forward surpassed Eulogio Gárate on Atlético’s all-time La Liga scoring list, reaching 110 goals and securing his place as the club’s fourth-best scorer in Spain’s top flight. Ahead of him stand Adrián Escudero (150), Luis Aragonés (123), and Francisco Campos (120), a trio that continues to define the distance Griezmann must cover if he hopes to join the ranks of Atlético legends on the podium.

Griezmann has rediscovered his peak form after the World Cup, balancing flair with efficiency in a way that has long defined his career. Since the league’s restart, he has tallied 17 goals and nine assists in domestic competition. Across Europe’s top five leagues, his output sits among the most prolific, with Erling Haaland the only player who has produced more goals in the same timeframe, highlighting how Griezmann’s contributions have become indispensable for Atlético.

The revival mirrors the team’s resurgence. Atlético has collected 45 points from 57 after the break, with 14 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. That form matches the level seen by Barcelona and places Atlético near the summit at this crucial phase of the season. Across Europe’s major leagues, only Manchester City posted a higher tally in the corresponding period, underscoring the consistency Griezmann and his teammates have shown during this stretch.

Griezmann’s impact extends beyond numbers. His off-ball movement, smart link-up play with teammates, and willingness to shoulder creative duties have reinvigorated Atlético’s attack, offering alternatives for Simeone when opponents clog the box. The Frenchman’s leadership on and off the pitch has helped stabilize a squad adapting to tactical pivots and sustaining pressure as the season nears its end.

As Atlético pursues its objectives, Griezmann’s story reflects a larger arc: a player who arrived with high expectations, endured an adjustment period, and is delivering at peak level when stakes are highest. The club’s success in this phase seems closely tied to his ability to convert individual brilliance into team results, a dynamic that could shape Atlético’s fortunes as the campaign closes. While the gap to Campos, Aragonés, and Escudero remains a topic of conversation for fans and pundits, Griezmann’s current form keeps him central to Atlético’s plans for the future.

Note: The information reflects match performances and season statistics up to the latest games, with performance context drawn from contemporary coverage and match records (via current reporting and statistics).

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