Not everyone is happy: Atleti fans show their emotions to Griezmann in second debut

Matchday 1 of the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League season saw Antoine Griezmann return to the familiar lights of the Wanda Metropolitano as a second-half substitute against FC Porto. In what was a representation of his current status at Atletico Madrid, the French forward had to be content with a place on the bench, showing how the club has moved on since his departure in 2019. The fans also showed that they've moved on from him and it might take a while to warm up back to their one-time favourite as sections of the crowd booed the player as he made his way to the pitch. 

Technically back on loan, but with an obligation to buy for €40m, Antoine Griezmann made a u-turn just 2 years after leaving the Diego Simeone-led side for FC Barcelona in a €120m deal during the summer of 2019. In what was an ill-fated spell with the Blaugrana, Griezmann only had 35 goals in 102 appearances for the Catalan. Though looking average on the surface, when compared to the 133 goals in 257 matches that the French forward scored for Atletico in his first 5-year spell, it brings to context why Griezmann is widely seen to have flopped at Barcelona. 

On his second debut for the Rojiblancos, Antoine Griezmann was brought on in the 56th minute to replace Joao Felix up front alongside Luis Suarez. Sections of the fans at the Wanda Metropolitano cheered the return of their former talisman while other sections of the crowd booed him for leaving them high and dry in 2019. The French forward had made an elaborate video in the summer of 2018 to pledge his support and commitment to Atletico Madrid, only to leave a year later for reportedly larger wages. 

Antoine Griezmann could not work his customary magic in the minutes he spent on the field with FC Porto picking up an impressive point away from home. There was also an early Champions League debut for new signing, Rodrigo de Paul, as he replaced Thomas Lemar in the 36th minute. Diego Simeone will hope to getting this campaign up and running when they visit the San Siro on Tuesday 28th September. Liverpool leads the 'Group of Death' Group B after a slim 3-2 win over AC Milan.