Atletico Madrid secured their place in the Copa del Rey final on Tuesday evening. The Rojiblancos followed up their resounding 4-0 first-leg victory with a 3-0 win in Barcelona. For various reasons, Antoine Griezmann was the center of attention.
So much for being a substitute. The longer the 2025/26 season goes on, the more central Antoine Griezmann’s role at Atletico Madrid becomes. In the Copa del Rey in particular, the Spanish media are celebrating the Frenchman as a “key figure” on the way to the final. Together with his teammates, however, the 2018 World Cup winner had to suffer in Barcelona on Tuesday evening to earn his place in the final.
After the 0-3 defeat, which was enough thanks to the 4-0 first-leg victory, the self-sacrificing Catalans sank exhausted onto the turf. Griezmann was one of those who still had the strength to raise his arms in celebration. A fitting image emerged, showing a jubilant Griezmann with two deeply disappointed Barcelona players behind him. That same night, the Atlético icon took the opportunity to share the snapshot on his social media accounts, provocatively adding: “Is this photo too harsh?”
However, Griezmann’s post, who himself played for Barcelona for two years between 2019 and 2021, had a history. In March 2025, Barcelona’s social media department had shared a picture showing a disappointed Griezmann, while the eleven Barcelona players formed a circle in the background. The Catalans had just turned a 0-2 deficit into a 4-2 victory at the Metropolitano. The caption under the picture read: “This photo is very harsh.”
So late on Tuesday evening, Griezmann was “only” taking a swipe back. It could come back quickly: in a month’s time, the two teams will meet in La Liga. It is also highly likely that the rivals will cross swords in the Champions League quarterfinals—if Barcelona eliminates Newcastle and Atletico eliminates Tottenham.
Simeone: “He deserves it more than anyone else”
But will Griezmann still be around to see it all? Rumors of a move to MLS continue to persist. The transfer window in the US doesn’t close until April 24. Atletico manager Mateu Alemany recently put a stop to any speculation of a transfer, pointing to the player’s contract, which runs until 2027.
Coach Diego Simeone, who was once again highly emotional on the sidelines, was somewhat more defensive at the press conference at Camp Nou: “Hopefully he’ll play in the final. He deserves it more than anyone else. His quality and talent will stay with him for the rest of his life. What else can I add? I like him very much, I always wish him the best.”
Unsurprisingly, captain Koke also spoke out in favor of Griezmann staying. Thirteen years after the last Copa final, which Atlético won against archrival Real Madrid in extra time with Koke in the starting lineup, the dream of another title lives on. “We want to win the cup,” announced the veteran: “We knew it would be difficult. Barcelona is a great team with an incredible level of play. The young players are in top form, they have Pedri, who is the best player in the world.“
Especially before the break, Atletico missed their chance to seal the deal early. And yet Koke added meaningfully: ”This is the most beautiful defeat of my life.” And an evening that they won’t soon forget in Barcelona either.
