Antoine Griezmann ends 22-game Atletico streak as Real Madrid thrashed in feisty derby

Antoine Griezmann scored for the first time in La Liga action since early February as Atletico Madrid thrashed bitter rivals Real Madrid 5-2 on Saturday afternoon at Metropolitano Stadium. The veteran French attacker was one six scorers in a chaotic derby won by Atletico to hand Real their first defeat of the season.

Robin Le Normand was an unlikely first scorer for the hosts as he headed home Giuliano Simeone's cross. Xabi Alonso's side responded emphatically though, as Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler were both on target before half time with clinical strikes from inside the box.

Atletico did not go into the break behind, however, as Alexander Sorloth netted an equaliser following Clement Lenglet's strike being disallowed by VAR for a handball.

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Diego Simeone's side raced through the gears in the second period with talisman Julian Alvarez scoring a penalty and stunning free-kick in the space of 12 minutes to put Atletico in complete control. His second goal resulted in Simeone very nearly falling to his knees in disbelief.

Griezmann, who came on in the final knockings, then put the icing on the cake as he expertly finished a flowing counter with his weaker right foot.

The 34-year-old has scored in pre-season friendlies and at the Club World Cup - alongside picking up assists - but he had gone 22 games in La Liga without a goal.

After the match, Simeone explained how he was able to instruct his players to expose Real's weaknesses which have been on display despite the fact they have won eight games in a row.

"From the start, we knew where we could do damage, with breakthroughs on the outside with Nico, Barrios, Julian, Giuliano," he admitted. "We drew the centre-backs out of position and left Sorloth inside to create chances."

Atleti have responded well to late heartbreak against Liverpool in the Champions League earlier this month. They have dropped points this season, but have now won back-to-back La Liga games with the gap to leaders Real closing after their derby victory.

Alongside the seven goals, nine yellow cards were shown by referee Javier Alberola with injuries, talking points and drama all emerging from the clash.

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