Antoine Griezmann justifies Barcelona snub with UEFA Super Cup victory

The former Real Sociedad player received the Man of the Match award for his display in the final victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup.

Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Super Cup win has prompted Antoine Griezmann to justify his snub of FC Barcelona as his decision to continue playing under Diego Simeone has already reaped benefits.

Griezmann was reportedly a target for La Liga champions, FC Barcelona for quite some time; that is until he announced his decision to stay with Los Colchoneros. Consequently, the Frenchman signed a new contract with the Madrid side before the FIFA World Cup in Russia, to avoid any distractions. Les Bleus won the tournament after beating Croatia in the final, with Griezmann receiving the Man of the Match award.

Although, he failed to impress in the Super Cup, lasting only 57 minutes possibly carrying fatigue from the World Cup gone by. However, a brace from Diego Costa and a couple of sublime strikes from Saul and Koke in extra-time helped the UEFA Europa League champions outclass the UEFA Champions League winners.

Post the victory, the former Real Sociedad player went on to say, “I have confidence in this club, in Cholo (Simeone)... Today I saw that I was not wrong."

ALSO READ:

Talking Points: Atletico Madrid to dominate Madrid derbies in La Liga this season?

Why is 2018-19 a make or break season for Ousmane Dembélé?

Cristiano Ronaldo's absence will not halt our winning momentum– Sergio Ramos

He further added, “It was time for us to win the UEFA Super Cup again, it was very important to start the season like this.”

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

As for Real Madrid, this is not the ideal start for them and their new manager. Since the shock resignation by Zinedine Zidane, the managerial position has been given to Julen Lopetegui in controversial circumstances. This loss is extra bitter since it came against their arch-rivals, Atletico Madrid. Lopetegui has his hands full already and will be feeling the pressure to impress the Bernabeu faithful.

Atletico Madrid have mostly been overshadowed by the intense dominance of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in La Liga. However, this season, the ‘third-best club’ in the Spanish top division will look to build on this triumph and break the hierarchy once again.