By Daily Sports on May 17, 2018

Antoine Griezmann scored twice as Atletico Madrid swept aside Marseille in Lyon to win the Europa League for the third time in nine years.

France forward Griezmann opened the scoring by punishing Andre Zambo Anguissa’s poor touch to coolly slot home, then casually dinked in a second.

Captain Gabi drilled in the third goal late on as Atletico again lifted the trophy they also won in 2010 and 2012.

The outcome could have been different had Marseille forward Valere Germain taken an early chance, before Griezmann’s lethal finishing allowed Atletico to take control.

Marseille skipper Dimitri Payet, an injury doubt before the game, lasted just half an hour before hobbling off in tears.

Without their inspirational midfielder, the French side caused Atletico just one major scare as ex-Fulham striker Kostas Mitroglou headed against the post.

Atletico have been one of Europe’s most consistent teams in recent seasons, breaking Barcelona and Real Madrid’s stranglehold on La Liga by claiming the title in 2013-14.

Second in the Spanish top flight with one match remaining, they are on course for a top-three finish for the sixth straight season and have appeared in two Champions League finals in that period, losing on both occasions to city rivals Real.

With manager Diego Simeone in the stands – serving a four-game ban for being sent off in the semi-final against Arsenal – Atletico repelled Marseille’s early thrusts and produced a performance which has become a trademark under the Argentine.

Griezmann’s clinical double took his tally for the club this season to 30 before Gabi added the third as the Ligue 1 club tried in vain to breach a backline that has conceded just 33 goals in 58 games all campaign.

Atletico conclude their league season against Eibar on Sunday, and it remains to be seen if that is Griezmann’s last game for the club as he has been heavily linked with Barcelona.

Payet has been Marseille’s star man this season – his 22 assists in all competitions the most by any player in Europe’s top five leagues.

The former West Ham midfielder was struggling with a thigh problem before the game and, despite being passed fit, crumpled down in the opening period and was clearly devastated as he made his way off the pitch.

France boss Didier Deschamps names his 23-man squad for the World Cup on Thursday, and Payet will be left wondering whether he will be fit.

It was his clever through ball in the sixth minute that set Germain in on goal, but the striker struck horribly wide from 10 yards out.

Former Aston Villa full-back Jordan Amavi struck a fizzing drive straight at goalkeeper Jan Oblak late on as Marseille lost their third final in this competition - twice under its previous guise as the Uefa Cup.

Man of the match – Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid)

•Sourced from BBC. Photo shows Atletico players celebrating their Europa League triumph

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 17, 2018

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