Antoine Griezmann scores for Atletico against Real Madrid but does little to silence doubters over influence in big games
ANTOINE GRIEZMANN may have got on the scoresheet, but he has failed to silence those who have doubts over his influence in the biggest games.
With Atletico Madrid 1-0 up against their rivals through Saul Niguez’s opener, they were given the opportunity to make a dream start when they were awarded a penalty.
Antoine Griezmann struggled once again against Real MadridGetty Images
Griezmann stepped up before slightly losing his footing as he went to strike — but still managed to find the corner.
The Frenchman missed a penalty in last season’s final after his goals against Barcelona and Bayern Munich had proven so crucial in the Rojiblancos reaching Milan.
Keylor Navas gets a hand to Antoine Griezmann’s penalty but it still goes inGetty Images
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Keylor Navas helps Antoine Griezmann to his feet during semi-final clashReuters
And, the Euro 2016 golden boot winner was anonymous in the shock final defeat to Portugal.
Atletico knew they needed a miracle to overcome a 3-0 deficit against Real Madrid.
Yet, two inside the first 16 minutes gave them real hope.
But as soon as Isco got that all-important away goal, it was all over.
There was still an opportunity for Griezmann to show that he belonged among the best, however.
And he just didn’t do enough.
Antoine Griezmann celebrates after his penalty beat Keylor Navas…justAP:Associated PressAntoine Griezmann’s compatriot Karim Benzema shone for Real MadridEPA
The 26-year-old is guaranteed a start for France, while Karim Benzema has been ostracised.
However, the Real Madrid man completely outshone his fellow countryman.
Benzema showed his class when he set up Isco for the goal and twice came close in the second half.
But Griezmann’s contribution was very little.
You could feel the nerves as Griezmann stepped to take his penalty, and even that only just found its way into the net.
Arjen Robben exercised big-game misses with winner in 2013 Champions League finalReuters
He was very well marshalled by Real Madrid’s defenders, but the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo — who the former Real Socidedad man aims to rival for the individual awards — finds a way past them.
For years, Arjen Robben was labelled a big-game bottler after poor performances when it mattered.
And the Dutchman only silenced them with the last-gasp winner in the 2013 Champions League final.
Griezmann is in need of a performance on the biggest stage. And quick.
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