Griezmann to leave Atlético for MLS after Champions League campaign

Key facts

• Antoine Griezmann will join MLS side Orlando City SC this summer.
• He played his final home Champions League match for Atlético Madrid, a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the semi-final first leg.
• Griezmann was named MVP of the first leg despite not scoring; he hit the crossbar in the second half.
• The second leg is Tuesday in London; the winner faces Bayern Munich or PSG in the final on May 30 in Budapest.
• Griezmann is Atlético's all-time leading scorer with 212 goals in 494 appearances over 10 seasons.
• He missed a penalty in the 2016 Champions League final loss to Real Madrid.
• Atlético midfielder Koke expressed hope that Tuesday's match will not be Griezmann's last in the competition.

A bittersweet farewell at the Metropolitano

Antoine Griezmann walked off the pitch at the Metropolitano Stadium on Tuesday night knowing it was his last home appearance in the Champions League for Atlético Madrid. The 35-year-old French forward, who has spent a decade with the club across two spells, is set to join Orlando City in Major League Soccer this summer, bringing his European career to a close. Griezmann did not score in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the first leg of the semi-finals, but his influence was undeniable. He led Atlético's attack alongside Julián Álvarez, struck the crossbar with a second-half shot, and was named the game's most valuable player. "It's a shame I couldn't find the net," he said. "But it will happen in the second leg for sure."

The stakes in London: a final shot at glory

Tuesday's second leg at the Emirates Stadium carries enormous weight for Griezmann and his teammates. The winner of the tie will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest, Hungary. For Griezmann, it represents a chance to atone for the 2016 final, when he missed a penalty in a defeat to Real Madrid. "We want to reach the final," Griezmann said. "It's my dream. I've prepared a lot for this match and the one we will have in London, and hopefully we can make it to the final." Atlético midfielder Koke Resurreccion echoed the sentiment: "We all want to make it to the final, and hopefully the game in London won't be the last one for Griezmann in this competition."

A career defined by loyalty and goals

Griezmann's departure will mark the end of an era for Atlético. He is the club's all-time leading scorer with 212 goals in 494 appearances over 10 seasons, having also played for Real Sociedad and Barcelona. This season, coach Diego Simeone has managed his minutes carefully, but Griezmann remains a pivotal figure. His European journey began with Real Sociedad, included a stint at Barcelona, and reached its peak with Atlético, where he won the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup. He also lifted the World Cup with France in 2018. Now, at 35, he is ready for a new challenge in the United States, but not before one final push for the trophy that has eluded him.

The tactical adjustment that kept Atlético alive

Atlético struggled in the first half of the first leg, allowing Arsenal to dictate play. But Simeone's tactical tweaks at halftime transformed the team. "The bad minutes we played in the first half hurt a bit," Griezmann said. "We fixed a couple of things tactically for the second half and we were able to pressure better and move better. The fans kept pushing and it also helped." The result leaves the tie finely balanced. Arsenal will have home advantage, but Atlético have shown resilience. Griezmann's experience and leadership could prove decisive in London, where he has already scored before — a fact that will give Atlético supporters hope.

What comes next: MLS and a new chapter

Griezmann's move to Orlando City has been confirmed for July, after the conclusion of his European season. He will join a growing list of high-profile players who have chosen MLS in the latter stages of their careers. For now, though, his focus remains on the Champions League. "We all put in a great effort," Griezmann said after the first leg. The second leg on Tuesday will determine whether his European farewell is a triumphant one or a poignant end. Regardless of the outcome, his legacy at Atlético and in European football is secure.

The bottom line

• Antoine Griezmann will leave Atlético Madrid for Orlando City this summer after the Champions League campaign.
• He played his final home European match on Tuesday, a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the semi-final first leg.
• Griezmann is Atlético's all-time leading scorer with 212 goals in 494 appearances.
• The second leg in London on Tuesday will decide if he reaches the Champions League final for the second time.
• Griezmann missed a penalty in the 2016 final loss to Real Madrid; this is his last chance to win the trophy with Atlético.
• Atlético midfielder Koke expressed hope that Tuesday's match will not be Griezmann's last in the competition.