Antoine&nbsp;Griezmann&nbsp;and Alvaro&nbsp;Morata&nbsp;struck twice each as&nbsp;Atletico&nbsp;Madrid hammered ragged&nbsp;10-man&nbsp;Celtic&nbsp;6-0 on Tuesday to move top of their Champions League group. Diego Simeone's side took an early lead through&nbsp;Griezmann&nbsp;but were struggling until&nbsp;Celtic&nbsp;forward Daizen Maeda was dismissed midway through the first half for a high foot.

Morata&nbsp;added a second before the break and&nbsp;Atletico&nbsp;racked&nbsp;up&nbsp;the goals in the second half, with both forwards netting again and Samuel Lino and Saul Niguez also on target. Atletico's emphatic win leaves them with eight points, one ahead of Lazio, second, and two ahead of former group leaders Feyenoord, while&nbsp;Celtic&nbsp;are last with only one. "The team didn't lower its rhythm of play, they were always looking for more," a pleased Simeone told Movistar.

"It's a crunch moment for everyone (in the group), it will be tricky until the end." The&nbsp;Atletico&nbsp;coach lavished praise on key player&nbsp;Griezmann, who is enjoying one of the best spells of his career. Griezmann&nbsp;controversially left&nbsp;Atletico&nbsp;for Barcelona in 2019 but returned on loan in 2021 before signing permanently once more.

"When some didn't agree with his return, I was convinced that he was born to play at&nbsp;Atletico&nbsp;Madrid," Simeone told reporters. "He turned this situation around ... I'm lucky to have a player like&nbsp;Griezmann."I have no doubt that with what he's got left to go at&nbsp;Atletico, he will be one of the team's best ever players." Atletico&nbsp;bounced back strongly from a disappointing defeat at La Liga minnows Las Palmas on Friday to leave Brendan Rodgers' side on the brink of elimination and record their 16th consecutive home victory across all competitions.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-time-major-winner-minjee-lee-and-her-brother-min-woo-target-unique-sweep-of-dual-gender-at-aus-open-664635">Two-time major winner Minjee Lee and her brother Min Woo target unique sweep of dual gender at Aus Open</a>

Griezmann&nbsp;struck in the sixth minute, his low effort skidding home with the aid of a deflection off Cameron Carter-Vickers, after&nbsp;Celtic&nbsp;gave him too much time and space on the edge of the box. Celtic&nbsp;winger Luis Palma showed flashes at the other end as his team dominated the ball in the opening 20 minutes.

However the game changed drastically when Japanese international Maeda was sent off for a high foot on Mario Hermoso. Although the referee initially gave a yellow card, Maeda was dismissed after VAR intervention --&nbsp;Celtic's third red card of the competition. "It's hard enough at this level with 11 men, that's two games we've had players sent off,"&nbsp;Celtic&nbsp;captain Callum McGregor&nbsp;told TNT Sports. "(It was) a humbling experience for us."

After that it was one-way traffic at the Metropolitano, although Jan Oblak tipped away an accidental&nbsp;Morata&nbsp;miskick, heading towards his own goal. Atletico&nbsp;doubled their lead just before the break when he headed home after a classy team move, with&nbsp;Griezmann&nbsp;finding Jose Gimenez, who nodded the ball back for&nbsp;Morata.

<h2>Standing ovation&nbsp;</h2>

Joe Hart denied Angel Correa and Gimenez hit the bar with a header as&nbsp;Atletico&nbsp;pushed for the third, which came via an acrobatic finish from&nbsp;Griezmann. The French forward, who was surprisingly withdrawn against Las Palmas with&nbsp;Atletico&nbsp;losing, went off early again, this time to a standing ovation.

Lino added a superb fourth, cutting in from the left and arcing an effort across Hart and into the net, before Correa struck the post.&nbsp;Atletico's fifth followed when&nbsp;Morata&nbsp;lashed home his fifth Champions League goal of the season from the edge of the box, giving the despairing Hart no chance.

Saul got in on the act in the final stages, stabbing home from close range after Lino's attempted strike fell into his path to round off&nbsp;Atletico's sizeable triumph. "Their red card gave us an advantage, but we have to continue like this,"&nbsp;Griezmann&nbsp;told Movistar.

"Respecting our opponent, we tried to play as well as possible and not do silly things like try nutmegs." The French forward, operating in an attacking midfield role against&nbsp;Celtic, said he was open to playing there if the coach wanted him to."I'm learning by watching a lot of football on television -- whatever it takes for the club and for Cholo (Simeone)," added&nbsp;Griezmann.

Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata struck twice each as Atletico Madrid hammered ragged 10-man Celtic 6-0 on Tuesday to move top of their Champions League group.

Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata struck twice each as Atletico Madrid hammered ragged 10-man Celtic 6-0 on Tuesday to move top of their Champions League group. Diego Simeone's side took an early lead through Griezmann but were struggling until Celtic forward Daizen Maeda was dismissed midway through the first half for a high foot. Morata added a second before the break and Atletico racked up the goals in the second half, with both forwards netting again and Samuel Lino and Saul Niguez also on target. Atletico's emphatic win leaves them with eight points, one ahead of Lazio, second, and two ahead of former group leaders Feyenoord, while Celtic are last with only one. "The team didn't lower its rhythm of play, they were always looking for more," a pleased Simeone told Movistar. "It's a crunch moment for everyone (in the group), it will be tricky until the end." The Atletico coach lavished praise on key player Griezmann, who is enjoying one of the best spells of his career. Griezmann controversially left Atletico for Barcelona in 2019 but returned on loan in 2021 before signing permanently once more. "When some didn't agree with his return, I was convinced that he was born to play at Atletico Madrid," Simeone told reporters. "He turned this situation around ... I'm lucky to have a player like Griezmann."I have no doubt that with what he's got left to go at Atletico, he will be one of the team's best ever players." Atletico bounced back strongly from a disappointing defeat at La Liga minnows Las Palmas on Friday to leave Brendan Rodgers' side on the brink of elimination and record their 16th consecutive home victory across all competitions. Also Read: Two-time major winner Minjee Lee and her brother Min Woo target unique sweep of dual gender at Aus Open Griezmann struck in the sixth minute, his low effort skidding home with the aid of a deflection off Cameron Carter-Vickers, after Celtic gave him too much time and space on the edge of the box. Celtic winger Luis Palma showed flashes at the other end as his team dominated the ball in the opening 20 minutes. However the game changed drastically when Japanese international Maeda was sent off for a high foot on Mario Hermoso. Although the referee initially gave a yellow card, Maeda was dismissed after VAR intervention -- Celtic's third red card of the competition. "It's hard enough at this level with 11 men, that's two games we've had players sent off," Celtic captain Callum McGregor told TNT Sports. "(It was) a humbling experience for us." After that it was one-way traffic at the Metropolitano, although Jan Oblak tipped away an accidental Morata miskick, heading towards his own goal. Atletico doubled their lead just before the break when he headed home after a classy team move, with Griezmann finding Jose Gimenez, who nodded the ball back for Morata. Standing ovation Joe Hart denied Angel Correa and Gimenez hit the bar with a header as Atletico pushed for the third, which came via an acrobatic finish from Griezmann. The French forward, who was surprisingly withdrawn against Las Palmas with Atletico losing, went off early again, this time to a standing ovation. Lino added a superb fourth, cutting in from the left and arcing an effort across Hart and into the net, before Correa struck the post. Atletico's fifth followed when Morata lashed home his fifth Champions League goal of the season from the edge of the box, giving the despairing Hart no chance. Saul got in on the act in the final stages, stabbing home from close range after Lino's attempted strike fell into his path to round off Atletico's sizeable triumph. "Their red card gave us an advantage, but we have to continue like this," Griezmann told Movistar. "Respecting our opponent, we tried to play as well as possible and not do silly things like try nutmegs." The French forward, operating in an attacking midfield role against Celtic, said he was open to playing there if the coach wanted him to."I'm learning by watching a lot of football on television -- whatever it takes for the club and for Cholo (Simeone)," added Griezmann.

Atletico Madrid beat 10-man Celtic with Antoine, Alvaro scoring twice each to top Champions League Group

Antoine Griezmann answered his critics in style on Sunday by scoring with a sensational chip as Barcelona thrashed Villarreal 4-1 to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive.&nbsp;

After the humiliation of being brought on in the 90th minute against his former club Atletico Madrid, Griezmann was back in the starting line-up at La Ceramica and repaid the faith with a stunning goal, teed up by Lionel Messi.&nbsp;

"It was the kind of goal only great players can score," said Barcelona coach Quique Setien. "He played a spectacular match."

Messi also laid on a curling Luis Suarez shot into the top corner after Gerard Moreno cancelled out a Pau Torres own-goal that had put Barca in front. Ansu Fati then added a fourth late on.&nbsp;

An impressive victory for Setien's side reduces the gap back to four points behind Real Madrid, who earlier ground out another 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames, with a Sergio Ramos penalty proving the difference.

Madrid's resilient performance, and their third 1-0 victory in a row, offered a stark contrast to a goal-fest from Barcelona that was certainly easier on the eye but instructive on the title race too.&nbsp;

An end-to-end contest, full of chances for both sides, showed Messi, Suarez and Griezmann at their free-flowing best yet the defence was opened up with ease by Villarreal, who might have scored more.&nbsp;

Madrid's discipline and organisation has made them firm favourites with four games remaining.&nbsp;

"We needed this match a while ago," admitted Setien. "We have to keep adding points and we'll see what happens."

Griezmann had experienced his lowest moment since joining Barcelona on Tuesday in the draw against Atletico but this was the perfect response.&nbsp;

He celebrated his goal by sharing a warm embrace with Messi.&nbsp;

Villarreal looked a difficult opponent after winning five games out of six since the restart, a run that has put them in in touching distance of the top four.&nbsp;

This defeat leaves them three points behind Sevilla, who play Eibar on Monday.&nbsp;

The first half was perhaps the most entertaining in La Liga since the restart, with four goals and chances for two or three more.&nbsp;

Barca were ahead within three minutes, Torres diverting Jordi Alba's cross into his own net under pressure from Griezmann at the near post.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>- Ramos on the spot -</h2>

But Villarreal were level 11 minutes later as a superb pass from Samuel Chukwueze sent Paco Alcacer scampering in down the right and he did brilliantly to switch to Santi Cazorla on the opposite side.&nbsp;

Cazorla's drive was parried but only to Moreno, who finished.&nbsp;

Messi laid on two sumptuous assists before half-time but the finishes were even better.&nbsp;

After chesting the ball down in the centre circle, Messi touched and turned, leaving his marker for dead.&nbsp;

He drove through two Villarreal defenders before pushing the ball left to Suarez, who arrived from the angle on the edge of the box and curled first time into the far corner.&nbsp;

If that was power, Griezmann's was finesse, Messi and Suarez combining before Messi dragged back to the Frenchman, who caressed a delightful chip over Sergio Asenjo and in.&nbsp;

Messi thought he had his goal in the second half but Arturo Vidal was offside.&nbsp;

Suarez was taken off, presumably rested, and Fati added a fourth off the bench. The teenager cut in from the left and pulled his shot back inside the near post.&nbsp;

After edging out Getafe on Thursday, through a Ramos spot-kick, Madrid repeated the trick at San Mames, their captain's nerve from the spot combining with a gutsy display for a pivotal win.&nbsp;

Ramos was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty himself late on when, off the ball, he seemed to slip and tread on the foot of Raul Garcia, but Madrid escaped.&nbsp;

Instead, the defender's 10th goal of the season, the best tally of his career, proved decisive.

"It's a massive win," said Ramos. "We knew today was going to be one of the biggest games that we have left.&nbsp;

"It's always a difficult game away at Bilbao and we saw it like that. We're happy with another crucial three points that put more pressure on Barcelona."&nbsp;

Antoine Griezmann answered his critics in style on Sunday by scoring with a sensational chip as Barcelona thrashed Villarreal 4-1 to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive.

Antoine Griezmann answered his critics in style on Sunday by scoring with a sensational chip as Barcelona thrashed Villarreal 4-1 to keep their faint La Liga title hopes alive. After the humiliation of being brought on in the 90th minute against his former club Atletico Madrid, Griezmann was back in the starting line-up at La Ceramica and repaid the faith with a stunning goal, teed up by Lionel Messi. "It was the kind of goal only great players can score," said Barcelona coach Quique Setien. "He played a spectacular match." Messi also laid on a curling Luis Suarez shot into the top corner after Gerard Moreno cancelled out a Pau Torres own-goal that had put Barca in front. Ansu Fati then added a fourth late on. An impressive victory for Setien's side reduces the gap back to four points behind Real Madrid, who earlier ground out another 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao at San Mames, with a Sergio Ramos penalty proving the difference. Madrid's resilient performance, and their third 1-0 victory in a row, offered a stark contrast to a goal-fest from Barcelona that was certainly easier on the eye but instructive on the title race too. An end-to-end contest, full of chances for both sides, showed Messi, Suarez and Griezmann at their free-flowing best yet the defence was opened up with ease by Villarreal, who might have scored more. Madrid's discipline and organisation has made them firm favourites with four games remaining. "We needed this match a while ago," admitted Setien. "We have to keep adding points and we'll see what happens." Griezmann had experienced his lowest moment since joining Barcelona on Tuesday in the draw against Atletico but this was the perfect response. He celebrated his goal by sharing a warm embrace with Messi. Villarreal looked a difficult opponent after winning five games out of six since the restart, a run that has put them in in touching distance of the top four. This defeat leaves them three points behind Sevilla, who play Eibar on Monday. The first half was perhaps the most entertaining in La Liga since the restart, with four goals and chances for two or three more. Barca were ahead within three minutes, Torres diverting Jordi Alba's cross into his own net under pressure from Griezmann at the near post. - Ramos on the spot - But Villarreal were level 11 minutes later as a superb pass from Samuel Chukwueze sent Paco Alcacer scampering in down the right and he did brilliantly to switch to Santi Cazorla on the opposite side. Cazorla's drive was parried but only to Moreno, who finished. Messi laid on two sumptuous assists before half-time but the finishes were even better. After chesting the ball down in the centre circle, Messi touched and turned, leaving his marker for dead. He drove through two Villarreal defenders before pushing the ball left to Suarez, who arrived from the angle on the edge of the box and curled first time into the far corner. If that was power, Griezmann's was finesse, Messi and Suarez combining before Messi dragged back to the Frenchman, who caressed a delightful chip over Sergio Asenjo and in. Messi thought he had his goal in the second half but Arturo Vidal was offside. Suarez was taken off, presumably rested, and Fati added a fourth off the bench. The teenager cut in from the left and pulled his shot back inside the near post. After edging out Getafe on Thursday, through a Ramos spot-kick, Madrid repeated the trick at San Mames, their captain's nerve from the spot combining with a gutsy display for a pivotal win. Ramos was perhaps fortunate not to concede a penalty himself late on when, off the ball, he seemed to slip and tread on the foot of Raul Garcia, but Madrid escaped. Instead, the defender's 10th goal of the season, the best tally of his career, proved decisive. "It's a massive win," said Ramos. "We knew today was going to be one of the biggest games that we have left. "It's always a difficult game away at Bilbao and we saw it like that. We're happy with another crucial three points that put more pressure on Barcelona."

Griezmann stars against Villarreal as Barca keep title hopes alive

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-wants-barcelona-return-says-clubs-vice-president-230937&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjay9uUu7vjAhUN7XMBHVp6CywQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3R_Ns9ykS2iK6xrDhHNj3Q">Barcelona </a>have re-signed left-back Marc Cucurella from Eibar after the 20-year-old's impressive first season in the Spanish top flight.

A statement from the La Liga champions said they had exercised a buy-back clause in the player's contract for four million euros, less than two months after Eibar had agreed to sign him on a permanent basis for two million euros.

Cucurella, who can play on the left side of the defence and the left-wing, came through Barca's youth ranks but only played seven minutes of first-team football in the Copa del Rey before moving to Eibar on loan last season, playing 31 La Liga games.

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[BREAKING NEWS] 👍 <a href="https://twitter.com/cucurella3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cucurella3</a> <a href="https://t.co/QiMZPqnKPI">https://t.co/QiMZPqnKPI</a>
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He made his name with a stunning performance in the Basque team's 3-0 win over Real Madrid and scored against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-get-antoine-griezmann-but-atletico-contest-eu120-million-fee-235831&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjay9uUu7vjAhUN7XMBHVp6CywQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rC7oAsZ0KWuJQtgurDBqV">Barca </a>in a 2-2 draw on the final day of the season.

Barcelona have re-signed left-back Marc Cucurella from Eibar after the 20-year-old's impressive first season in the Spanish top flight. A statement from the La Liga champions said they had exercised a buy-back clause in the player's contract for four million euros, less than two months after Eibar had agreed to sign him on a permanent basis for two million euros.

Barcelona have re-signed left-back Marc Cucurella from Eibar after the 20-year-old's impressive first season in the Spanish top flight. A statement from the La Liga champions said they had exercised a buy-back clause in the player's contract for four million euros, less than two months after Eibar had agreed to sign him on a permanent basis for two million euros. Cucurella, who can play on the left side of the defence and the left-wing, came through Barca's youth ranks but only played seven minutes of first-team football in the Copa del Rey before moving to Eibar on loan last season, playing 31 La Liga games. [BREAKING NEWS] 👍 @cucurella3 https://t.co/QiMZPqnKPI — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 16, 2019 × He made his name with a stunning performance in the Basque team's 3-0 win over Real Madrid and scored against Barca in a 2-2 draw on the final day of the season.

Barcelona re-sign youngster Marc Cucurella from Eibar

Barcelona announced the signing of Antoine Griezmann on Friday after the Spanish champions paid La Liga&nbsp;rivals Atletico Madrid the 120 million euro ($135 million) release clause required to sign the World Cup winner.

"The player will sign a contract with his new club for the next five seasons, through to 30 June 2024, with a buyout clause of 800 million euros," Barca said in a statement.

Friday's announcement brings to an end a dispute between the two clubs and Griezmann, who had long aimed to move to the Catalan giants.

The 28-year-old failed to show up for his side's pre-season gathering on Sunday after he had announced in May he would be leaving the Wanda Metropolitano, even though he could not reveal his destination until his release clause dropped from 200 million euros to 120 million euros at the start of the month.

last week Atletico accused Barcelona and Griezmann of a "lack of respect" after&nbsp;the Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed the two clubs had held talks about the former Real Sociedad forward.

Atletico also claimed that Griezmann had told the club that he had struck a deal with Barcelona in March, just days before the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus, which saw them dumped out by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick after winning the first leg 2-0 in Madrid.

Griezmann joined Atletico in 2014 and has scored 133 goals in 257 appearances, lifting the Europa League in 2018.

He finished top scorer at Euro 2016 when France were beaten in the final on home soil by Portugal before helping to guide his team to World Cup triumph in Russia last year. 
&nbsp;

Barcelona announced the signing of Antoine Griezmann on Friday after the Spanish champions paid La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid the 120 million euro ($135 million) release clause required to sign the World Cup winner.

Barcelona announced the signing of Antoine Griezmann on Friday after the Spanish champions paid La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid the 120 million euro ($135 million) release clause required to sign the World Cup winner. "The player will sign a contract with his new club for the next five seasons, through to 30 June 2024, with a buyout clause of 800 million euros," Barca said in a statement. Friday's announcement brings to an end a dispute between the two clubs and Griezmann, who had long aimed to move to the Catalan giants. The 28-year-old failed to show up for his side's pre-season gathering on Sunday after he had announced in May he would be leaving the Wanda Metropolitano, even though he could not reveal his destination until his release clause dropped from 200 million euros to 120 million euros at the start of the month. last week Atletico accused Barcelona and Griezmann of a "lack of respect" after the Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed the two clubs had held talks about the former Real Sociedad forward. Atletico also claimed that Griezmann had told the club that he had struck a deal with Barcelona in March, just days before the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus, which saw them dumped out by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick after winning the first leg 2-0 in Madrid. Griezmann joined Atletico in 2014 and has scored 133 goals in 257 appearances, lifting the Europa League in 2018. He finished top scorer at Euro 2016 when France were beaten in the final on home soil by Portugal before helping to guide his team to World Cup triumph in Russia last year.

Barcelona bag Griezmann after stumping up 120 million euros 

Atletico Madrid have accused Barcelona and Antoine Griezmann of a "lack of respect" after the Catalan giants' president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed on Friday that the two clubs had held talks about the signing of the France international.

In a statement, the La Liga club confirmed Bartomeu's earlier announcement that there had been a meeting, at Barca's behest, on Thursday to discuss a deal to sign World Cup winner Griezmann, who has a release clause of 120 million euros ($134.6 million) in his contract.

Atletico also said they refused a proposal from Barca that they sign the 28-year-old but delay the payment of the buy-out clause.

"Obviously our response was negative, understanding that both Barcelona and the player have disrespected Atletico Madrid and all its fans," the club said.

The statement also claims that Griezmann had told the club that he had struck a deal with <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-hold-talks-with-atletico-over-antoine-griezmann-signing-233403&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQ3_7A0J_jAhXn6nMBHcmnAvAQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1OlpHZWaphOXKLq2OO1kxS">Barcelona </a>in March, just days before the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus, which saw them dumped out by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick after winning the first leg 2-0 in Madrid.

It added,&nbsp;"Atletico Madrid wants to express it's strongest condemnation of the behaviour of both parties, in particular, Barcelona, for having induced the player to break his contractual relationship with us during the moment in which the club was not only playing the Champions League tie with Juventus, but also challenging Barcelona for the La Liga title."

Griezmann - who announced in May that he would be leaving Atletico but could not reveal his destination until his release clause dropped from 200 million euros on July 1 -&nbsp;signed for the capital club from Real Sociedad in 2014 and has since scored 133 goals in 257 appearances for Diego Simeone's men.

He has also netted 29 times in 70 international games for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and claiming the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 as Les Bleus lost in the final on home soil to Portugal.

Barcelona won their second straight La Liga title last season but are looking to reinforce their squad after failing again in their bid for a first Champions League triumph since 2015 -&nbsp;suffering a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/over-reliance-on-messi-or-over-confidence-what-went-wrong-for-barcelona-against-liverpool-217025&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQ3_7A0J_jAhXn6nMBHcmnAvAQFjAAegQIBhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Mp1nI6KR6q_GzClr7F5cw">humiliating loss to Liverpool</a> in the semi-finals having won the first leg 3-0.

Atletico Madrid have accused Barcelona and Antoine Griezmann of a "lack of respect" after the Catalan giants' president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed on Friday that the two clubs had held talks about the signing of the France international.

Atletico Madrid have accused Barcelona and Antoine Griezmann of a "lack of respect" after the Catalan giants' president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed on Friday that the two clubs had held talks about the signing of the France international. In a statement, the La Liga club confirmed Bartomeu's earlier announcement that there had been a meeting, at Barca's behest, on Thursday to discuss a deal to sign World Cup winner Griezmann, who has a release clause of 120 million euros ($134.6 million) in his contract. Atletico also said they refused a proposal from Barca that they sign the 28-year-old but delay the payment of the buy-out clause. "Obviously our response was negative, understanding that both Barcelona and the player have disrespected Atletico Madrid and all its fans," the club said. The statement also claims that Griezmann had told the club that he had struck a deal with Barcelona in March, just days before the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus, which saw them dumped out by a Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick after winning the first leg 2-0 in Madrid. It added, "Atletico Madrid wants to express it's strongest condemnation of the behaviour of both parties, in particular, Barcelona, for having induced the player to break his contractual relationship with us during the moment in which the club was not only playing the Champions League tie with Juventus, but also challenging Barcelona for the La Liga title." Griezmann - who announced in May that he would be leaving Atletico but could not reveal his destination until his release clause dropped from 200 million euros on July 1 - signed for the capital club from Real Sociedad in 2014 and has since scored 133 goals in 257 appearances for Diego Simeone's men. He has also netted 29 times in 70 international games for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and claiming the Golden Boot at Euro 2016 as Les Bleus lost in the final on home soil to Portugal. Barcelona won their second straight La Liga title last season but are looking to reinforce their squad after failing again in their bid for a first Champions League triumph since 2015 - suffering a humiliating loss to Liverpool in the semi-finals having won the first leg 3-0.

Atletico Madrid accuse Barcelona, Antoine Griezmann for showing 'disrespect'

France striker Antoine Griezmann will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, the player said in a video released on the club's official Twitter account on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old did not reveal where he would be playing next but widespread reports in the Spanish media said he would be joining Barcelona, who he famously rejected last year before penning a new contract with Atletico until 2023.

World Cup winner Griezmann, who signed a new five-year contract last June, said he had told Atletico coach Diego Simeone and chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin of his decision and addressed the supporters in the video message.

"After speaking to Simeone and Miguel Angel and the club hierarchy I wanted to immediately tell you, the Atletico fans who have always given me a lot of love that I have taken the decision to leave, to see other things, to have other challenges," he said.

"The truth is it has been difficult to arrive to this point but I feel it's what I need to do, I want to thank you for all the support you have given me in these five years, where I won my first trophies",&nbsp;Griezmann said.

Griezmann rejected an offer from Barca last June, documenting his internal struggles about whether to make the move in a landmark documentary called 'The Decision', produced by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's Kosmos production company.

The last contract he signed initially raised his release clause to 200 million euros ($224.06 million) but several media reports say that figure will drop to 120 million on July 1.&nbsp;

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. <a href="https://twitter.com/AntoGriezmann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AntoGriezmann</a>: "These five years have been incredible. Thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart." <a href="https://t.co/uz1jwQj1Sg">pic.twitter.com/uz1jwQj1Sg</a>
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) <a href="https://twitter.com/atletienglish/status/1128405481809162241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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TOP SCORER

Griezmann, who joined Atletico from Real Sociedad for a reported 30 million euros in 2014, has been the team's top scorer in each of the five seasons he has been at the club.

He was Atletico's inspirational figure when they won the 2018 Europa League, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Olympique Marseilles in the final, before helping them win the UEFA Super Cup. Griezmann also lifted the Spanish Super Cup in 2014.

He played in the 2016 Champions League final, which Atletico lost on penalties to Real Madrid, and was named as the third best player in the world at that year`s FIFA Ballon d`Or awards.

"I've had some incredible moments which I`ll always remember, I`ll always hold Atletico fans in my heart, it`s never easy to make a decision like this," added Griezmann.

"Many thanks for everything, I have really enjoyed myself in the last five years, I`ve given everything on the pitch and I`ve always tried to be a good person. I have tried to give lots of joy to the fans at the Wanda Metropolitano and to our fans at away games, many thanks from my heart and until next time",&nbsp;Griezmann said.

Griezmann is the latest high profile player to announce that he is leaving Atletico at the end of the season.&nbsp;

France defender Lucas Hernandez agreed to join Bayern Munich when they paid his 80-million euro release clause and long-serving captain Diego Godin`s contract is coming to an end.

France striker Antoine Griezmann will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, the player said in a video released on the club's official Twitter account on Tuesday.

France striker Antoine Griezmann will leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, the player said in a video released on the club's official Twitter account on Tuesday. The 28-year-old did not reveal where he would be playing next but widespread reports in the Spanish media said he would be joining Barcelona, who he famously rejected last year before penning a new contract with Atletico until 2023. World Cup winner Griezmann, who signed a new five-year contract last June, said he had told Atletico coach Diego Simeone and chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin of his decision and addressed the supporters in the video message. "After speaking to Simeone and Miguel Angel and the club hierarchy I wanted to immediately tell you, the Atletico fans who have always given me a lot of love that I have taken the decision to leave, to see other things, to have other challenges," he said. "The truth is it has been difficult to arrive to this point but I feel it's what I need to do, I want to thank you for all the support you have given me in these five years, where I won my first trophies", Griezmann said. Griezmann rejected an offer from Barca last June, documenting his internal struggles about whether to make the move in a landmark documentary called 'The Decision', produced by Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's Kosmos production company. The last contract he signed initially raised his release clause to 200 million euros ($224.06 million) but several media reports say that figure will drop to 120 million on July 1. . @AntoGriezmann: "These five years have been incredible. Thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart." pic.twitter.com/uz1jwQj1Sg — Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 14, 2019 × TOP SCORER Griezmann, who joined Atletico from Real Sociedad for a reported 30 million euros in 2014, has been the team's top scorer in each of the five seasons he has been at the club. He was Atletico's inspirational figure when they won the 2018 Europa League, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Olympique Marseilles in the final, before helping them win the UEFA Super Cup. Griezmann also lifted the Spanish Super Cup in 2014. He played in the 2016 Champions League final, which Atletico lost on penalties to Real Madrid, and was named as the third best player in the world at that year`s FIFA Ballon d`Or awards. "I've had some incredible moments which I`ll always remember, I`ll always hold Atletico fans in my heart, it`s never easy to make a decision like this," added Griezmann. "Many thanks for everything, I have really enjoyed myself in the last five years, I`ve given everything on the pitch and I`ve always tried to be a good person. I have tried to give lots of joy to the fans at the Wanda Metropolitano and to our fans at away games, many thanks from my heart and until next time", Griezmann said. Griezmann is the latest high profile player to announce that he is leaving Atletico at the end of the season. France defender Lucas Hernandez agreed to join Bayern Munich when they paid his 80-million euro release clause and long-serving captain Diego Godin`s contract is coming to an end.

Antoine Griezmann announces departure from Atletico Madrid at end of the season

Ousmane Dembele's 90th-minute strike rescued Barcelona a point at Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw on Saturday that kept the Catalans top of La Liga.

The French winger came on as a substitute and drove in a low shot that deflected past Jan Oblak.

Atletico striker Diego Costa's 77th-minute header from Antoine Griezmann's corner was the first effort on target in a dour clash and appeared to have sent the Madrid side top of the standings.

But Dembele's late contribution stopped Barcelona from falling to a second consecutive defeat and kept them one point ahead of their opponents at the summit.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde brought Samuel Umtiti back into the side after nearly a two-month injury absence, and started with Dembele on the bench after defending the player on Friday following media reports of unprofessional behaviour.

Atletico set the pace in a miserable first half. Diego Simeone’s side were typically cautious, reluctant to give Barcelona’s top players much space to move into.

Sergio Busquets was booked on his 500th appearance for Barcelona, the seventh player to reach that milestone, while Atletico's Lucas Hernandez also had his name taken for a foul on Lionel Messi.

The Argentine forward curled the free kick over the bar and it was as close as either side came before the break in a half with no shots on target, the first time that has happened in La Liga this season.

Costa went close to breaking the deadlock when he slid in for Griezmann's cross but Barca defender Gerard Pique got a touch to divert the ball out of the striker's path.

Atletico appealed for a penalty after Arturo Vidal headed the ball against his own hand but VAR did not require referee Jesus Gil Manzano to watch a replay of the incident.

Costa broke the deadlock, ending a personal 18-match goal drought in La Liga and scoring against Barca for the first time, and Valverde sent Dembele on to try to rescue a point.

The World Cup winner obliged at the death, taking Messi's pass, cutting inside and firing in a shot that deflected off Oblak past Lucas on the line.

Ousmane Dembele's 90th-minute strike rescued Barcelona a point at Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw on Saturday that kept the Catalans top of La Liga. The French winger came on as a substitute and drove in a low shot that deflected past Jan Oblak.

Ousmane Dembele's 90th-minute strike rescued Barcelona a point at Atletico Madrid in a 1-1 draw on Saturday that kept the Catalans top of La Liga. The French winger came on as a substitute and drove in a low shot that deflected past Jan Oblak. Atletico striker Diego Costa's 77th-minute header from Antoine Griezmann's corner was the first effort on target in a dour clash and appeared to have sent the Madrid side top of the standings. But Dembele's late contribution stopped Barcelona from falling to a second consecutive defeat and kept them one point ahead of their opponents at the summit. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde brought Samuel Umtiti back into the side after nearly a two-month injury absence, and started with Dembele on the bench after defending the player on Friday following media reports of unprofessional behaviour. Atletico set the pace in a miserable first half. Diego Simeone’s side were typically cautious, reluctant to give Barcelona’s top players much space to move into. Sergio Busquets was booked on his 500th appearance for Barcelona, the seventh player to reach that milestone, while Atletico's Lucas Hernandez also had his name taken for a foul on Lionel Messi. The Argentine forward curled the free kick over the bar and it was as close as either side came before the break in a half with no shots on target, the first time that has happened in La Liga this season. Costa went close to breaking the deadlock when he slid in for Griezmann's cross but Barca defender Gerard Pique got a touch to divert the ball out of the striker's path. Atletico appealed for a penalty after Arturo Vidal headed the ball against his own hand but VAR did not require referee Jesus Gil Manzano to watch a replay of the incident. Costa broke the deadlock, ending a personal 18-match goal drought in La Liga and scoring against Barca for the first time, and Valverde sent Dembele on to try to rescue a point. The World Cup winner obliged at the death, taking Messi's pass, cutting inside and firing in a shot that deflected off Oblak past Lucas on the line.

Dembele salvages Barcelona late draw at Atletico

On November 13, 2015, two explosions were heard near the Stade de France where a France-Germany friendly football match was being played, with President Francois Hollande in attendance.

A series of coordinated terrorist attacks, followed by several mass shootings and a suicide bombing, took place in Paris, killing 130 people and injuring around 413 people.

Today, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe laid a wreath at the stadium to mark the third anniversary of that terrible event.&nbsp;

The wreath was laid at the memorial plaque for 63-year-old chauffeur Manuel Dias, who died outside the stadium when caught in the blast from a suicide bomber.

Many would not know that how French footballer Antoine Greizmann and his sister escaped the tragedy.

Greizmann was playing at Stade de France during the time of explosions.

After two explosions&nbsp;near the stadium, gunmen carried out another mass shooting and took hostages at an Eagles of Death Metal concert in the Bataclan theatre.

The attackers were shot or blew themselves up when police raided the theatre.

However, there were survivors and Greizmann's sister was one of&nbsp;them in the&nbsp;theatre.

Greizmann had later tweeted, "Thank God my sister was able to get out of the Bataclan alive. All my prayers go out to the victims and their families. #LongliveFrance"

The attacks are considered the deadliest in France since the Second World War and the second deadliest in Western Europe after the Madrid train bombings in 2004.

The match between France and Germany continued until the end but panic broke out in the crowd as rumours of the attack spread, and spectators were held in the stadium and assembled spontaneously on the pitch. After the match, police guided supporters outside the stadium.

Responsibility for the killings was claimed by Islamic State, which had called on its followers to attack France due to its involvement in the fight against IS in Iraq and Syria.

On November 13, 2015, two explosions were heard near the Stade de France where a France-Germany friendly football match was being played, with President Francois Hollande in attendance.

On November 13, 2015, two explosions were heard near the Stade de France where a France-Germany friendly football match was being played, with President Francois Hollande in attendance. A series of coordinated terrorist attacks, followed by several mass shootings and a suicide bombing, took place in Paris, killing 130 people and injuring around 413 people. Today, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe laid a wreath at the stadium to mark the third anniversary of that terrible event. The wreath was laid at the memorial plaque for 63-year-old chauffeur Manuel Dias, who died outside the stadium when caught in the blast from a suicide bomber. Many would not know that how French footballer Antoine Greizmann and his sister escaped the tragedy. Greizmann was playing at Stade de France during the time of explosions. After two explosions near the stadium, gunmen carried out another mass shooting and took hostages at an Eagles of Death Metal concert in the Bataclan theatre. The attackers were shot or blew themselves up when police raided the theatre. However, there were survivors and Greizmann's sister was one of them in the theatre. Greizmann had later tweeted, "Thank God my sister was able to get out of the Bataclan alive. All my prayers go out to the victims and their families. #LongliveFrance" The attacks are considered the deadliest in France since the Second World War and the second deadliest in Western Europe after the Madrid train bombings in 2004. The match between France and Germany continued until the end but panic broke out in the crowd as rumours of the attack spread, and spectators were held in the stadium and assembled spontaneously on the pitch. After the match, police guided supporters outside the stadium. Responsibility for the killings was claimed by Islamic State, which had called on its followers to attack France due to its involvement in the fight against IS in Iraq and Syria.

How Antoine Greizmann and his sister escaped the Paris attacks