Atletico crush Marseille, win Europa League

Goals: Griezmann 21', 49', Gabi 89'

As predicted by experts, Marseille started better but lacked the spirit to win. Coach Rudi Garcia's team failed to take advantage of the time they pressed the field in the first 10 minutes to score a goal against Atletico. Striker Valere Germain missed the chance to face goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the fourth minute, when he received a pass from Dmitri Payet, with his shot going over the bar by a meter.

The more Atletico played, the more they proved how important experience and tenacity are in a big match. Against the solid defense of the Spanish team, Marseille hardly had any more clear-cut chances. Atletico also knew how to exploit the opponent's weaknesses to put pressure on goalkeeper Steve Mandanda's goal.

Atletico's opening goal in the 21st minute was a testament to their ability to capitalise on their chances. After a poor tackle from Andre Anguissa in midfield, Gabi quickly passed the ball to Antoine Griezmann, who ran down the pitch to face Mandanda. Griezmann's calm finish gave his compatriot no chance to save.

The lead was a huge advantage for Atletico to take the initiative on the pitch. While they had to rush forward to equalize, Marseille often had to be wary of their opponents' counter-attacks. Atletico also had the psychological advantage to adjust the tempo of the match in the most advantageous way.

Marseille also suffered an additional disadvantage when they lost Payet from the 32nd minute. The star wearing the number 10 shirt had to leave the field due to a recurrence of injury. Forced to give up the game too early, Payet could not hold back his tears when he gave way to Maxime Lopez.

While his compatriot was unlucky, Griezmann really took the role of "boss" of the match. The striker wearing the number 7 shirt not only led Atletico's attacks, but also scored the decisive goal that brought a big victory. In the 49th minute, Griezmann entered the penalty area and calmly chipped the ball past Mandanda once again.

Griezmann's level of handling situations shows the difference between Atletico and Marseille.

The two-goal lead gave Atletico a huge advantage. Coach Diego Simeone's team, who was banned from direct control in the final, had more support to play their favorite style of play.

Marseille tried to attack but only had one notable response, Mitroglou's header hitting the post in the 81st minute. Goalkeeper Oblak continued to be a solid shield, frustrating many other players of the French team.

Unable to score any goals, Marseille had to pay another price for their efforts. In the 89th minute, after getting the ball in the penalty area, Gabi fired a cross-angle shot to seal a 3-0 victory for Atletico.

This is the third time Atletico have won the Europa League, after two times in 2010 and 2012. Coach Simeone also won the second title after the first in 2012.

The Europa League title also added meaning to the careers of some Atletico players. Griezmann won his first major title with the team after missing out on the 2016 Champions League final. Fernando Torres even won his first title with Atletico in 11 seasons (two periods). From next season, the veteran Spaniard will move to Asia.

Torres won his first title with Atletico just before leaving. Photo: Reuters

Ngoc Tuan