Griezmann scores a great volley, Atletico holds on to hope of advancing

The French striker scored and assisted, helping the red and white team defeat Roma 2-0 at home in Group C of the Champions League.

Goals: Griezmann 69', Gameiro 85'

Griezmann opened the scoring with a stunning volley. Photo: AP.

Having failed to score since September, Antoine Griezmann has received a lot of criticism from the public, with suspicions that he is "in Madrid but far away". In the goalless Madrid derby last weekend, Griezmann was booed by the Wanda Metropolitano crowd for his lack of dedication. However, the 26-year-old striker warmed up the fans' affection after 90 minutes against AS Roma.

Atletico Madrid lost their right to decide after two draws with the “dwarf” Qarabag. The runners-up in 2014 and 2016 welcomed the Italian capital team with nothing to lose. Meanwhile, Roma took the initiative to defend deep, because they only needed a point to secure a ticket to the next round. The two teams fought for every inch of the field, but did not create any opportunities for the goalkeeper to show his talent in the first half.

The most notable incident in the first 45 minutes came from Augusto Fernandez's disallowed goal. The Argentine midfielder's shot was deflected and flew into the net, leaving goalkeeper Alisson helpless, but referee Bjoern Kuipers had already called for a handball.

In the deadlock, Atletico had to rely on the brilliance of their star. In the 69th minute, Angel Correa rushed down to try to cross the ball inside. The ball slightly went past Griezmann, but the French player quickly dived and volleyed in a "bicycle kick" style, giving Alisson no chance to block. Roma tried to rise up and received a counterattack from their opponent in the 85th minute. Griezmann passed the ball at the right angle for Kevin Gameiro to get past the away team's goalkeeper and finish into the empty net to seal a 2-0 victory.

Despite the loss, coach Eusebio Di Francesco's team will still decide their fate if they beat Qarabag at the Olympico Stadium in the final round. Meanwhile, coach Diego Simeone must lead his team to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea - who have won the first ticket in Group C.

Roma currently has eight points, two points behind leaders Chelsea, and two points ahead of Atletico. Photo: AP.

According to VNE