Atletico Madrid secured the top position in Champions League Group E with a commanding 2-0 win over Lazio on Wednesday. The victory, led by goals from Antoine Griezmann and Samuel Lino, was a testament to Diego Simeone’s team’s resilience and skill.
The match marked a significant turnaround from last year’s disappointment when Atletico was knocked out in the group stage. Entering the final matchday of the group stage unbeaten and already assured of a spot in the last 16, Atletico needed at least a point against Lazio to guarantee first place. Their win saw them finish with 14 points, four clear of second-place Lazio.
Atletico’s dominance was evident throughout the game, with Brazil’s Samuel Lino particularly impressive on the left wing. Lino set up Griezmann for the opening goal in the sixth minute after winning possession near the box and delivering a precise cross. Griezmann’s first-time strike was his fifth Champions League goal of the season, tying him with Erling Haaland, Rasmus Hojlund, and teammate Álvaro Morata as the competition’s top scorers.
Griezmann’s goal also brought him closer to breaking Luis Aragones’ record as Atletico’s all-time top scorer, with only two goals separating him from the record of 173.
Atletico continued to press, with Mario Hermoso having a goal disallowed for offside before the break. Memphis Depay also missed a couple of great opportunities. However, Lino doubled Atletico’s lead in the 51st minute with a stunning volley, securing the win for the home side.
The victory marked Atletico’s 20th consecutive home win in all competitions, equalling the club’s record set during the 2012-13 season. Their last failure to win at home was a LaLiga draw against Getafe in February.
Speaking after the game, Lino emphasized the importance of the fans and the team’s energy. He highlighted the collective effort and the team’s commitment to Atletico’s style of play, which requires players to be physically prepared to attack and defend with intensity.
With this victory, Atletico Madrid demonstrated their quality and determination, ensuring they head into the knockout stages of the Champions League as group leaders. The team’s strong performance bodes well for their ambitions in both European and domestic competitions.
