‘He looks happy to me’ – Diego Simeone offers Julian Alvarez and Antoine Griezmann’s future
Atletico Madrid came away with a big win over Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 match at the Metropolitano, and will take advantage of a three-goal win at the Tottenham Stadium. The talking points after the match from Atletico’s point of view were the futures of star players Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez.
Simeone was satisfied with the way his team played, and although the focus was on three mistakes from Spurs, he believes that the pressure was put on by Atletico to force them. He confirmed that the second leg will not be easy.
“I liked the team; we forced mistakes in their game. It gave us confidence to create an important goal in the first half. We were able to deal with their first goal better. From 4-2 down, we went to 5-1 thanks to Julian and Griezmann, and the end came after a 50-meter run. Then they scored a goal after one of our mistakes. We will be able to enjoy this victory, but the League result told Marca that there is no Champions League. the game.
🇫🇷✨ Antoine Griezmann has scored a goal in the Champions League every year since 2014. 12 seasons.
Only five players have scored goals in consecutive years: Benzema (18), Messi (18), Cristiano Ronaldo (16), Lewandowski (14*) and Raúl (14).
[via @livescore] pic.twitter.com/YYxpMzUxlQРAtl̩tico Universe (@atletiuniverse) March 11, 2026
“We forced good things to happen, they came. From there, in the first half we could have been more decisive; we could have faced the goal they scored against us by defending better. In the second half, Oblak saved 4-2, and Julian scored to make it 5-1. An important victory against a strong opponent in England. In the return leg to Europe, we will face it in every game in Europe.”
‘I’m very happy with Griezmann’s interpretation’
After the game, Griezmann assured the fans that he will stay until the end of the season. Major League Soccer team Orlando City wants to sign him this month.
“I am very happy with Antoine’s explanation. He knows how important he is in the history of Atletico. I hope he will finish in the best way, as he deserves, and that we can close an extraordinary season.”
“I always wish him the best. I hope he finishes this season in the best possible way. We need him the way he is. At that time of vision, talent, athleticism…”
Diego Simeone: ‘Julian Alvarez looks happy to me’
On the other hand, Julian Alvarez failed to assure the fans that he will be at the Metropolitano next season. Simeone did not worry about his words.
“To me, he looks happy, satisfied, scoring goals. Of all the teams he has been in, that is where he has scored the most goals. He seems determined, optimistic, and he has returned to his old form. I am happy for him, and I hope he can stay for many years. I hope we can build a good team for him to stay.”
Atletico Madrid face Getafe on Saturday at 16:15 CEST this weekend, as they look to consolidate their top four spots.
