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Griezmann Brace Off the Bench Fires Atletico Madrid to 3–1 Victory Over Levante
Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to score twice and seal Atletico Madrid’s 3–1 victory over Levante, extending their unbeaten La Liga run and moving into third place.
Antoine Griezmann came off the bench to score twice as Atletico Madrid defeated Levante 3–1 in their La Liga clash on Saturday, extending their impressive league form and moving provisionally into third place.
The Rojiblancos climbed above Villarreal, who later faced Espanyol with a chance to reclaim second place. Real Madrid visit Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, while Barcelona travel to Celta Vigo.
Atletico took the lead early at the Metropolitano Stadium when Adrian de la Fuente inadvertently turned Pablo Barrios’ cross-shot into his own net in the 12th minute. However, Manu Sanchez brought Levante level nine minutes later, heading in unmarked at the back post from a corner — the first goal Atletico had conceded in four league matches.
Manager Diego Simeone introduced club legend Griezmann just after the hour mark, and the Frenchman made an immediate impact, scoring only 28 seconds after coming on — the fastest goal by a substitute in La Liga in the past decade. He pounced on a cutback from Marcos Llorente to restore Atletico’s lead.
Despite Levante’s spirited attempts, Jan Oblak denied Goduine Koyalipou with a fine save before Griezmann sealed the win 10 minutes from time, reacting quickest to a rebound after Julian Alvarez’s effort was parried by goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.
Levante’s Carlos Alvarez thought he had pulled one back in stoppage time, but his goal was ruled out for offside.
After the game, Griezmann reflected on his substitute role, saying:
“It’s hard for us to find solutions sometimes, but those of us coming from the bench always bring a boost. I prefer to play, of course, but I accept it — I’m a professional and I’ll keep supporting my teammates.”
Levante coach Julian Calero praised his side’s effort despite the defeat, saying:
“We competed the best we can, and it’s a pity we didn’t get a reward for our performance in terms of points.”
Atletico’s win keeps them unbeaten in the league this season and firmly in the title race.
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