Griezmann’s lone goal gives Atletico victory in new stadium

Atletico Madrid made a winning start in their new stadium as France forward Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal in a La Liga victory over Malaga.

Griezmann darted in front of Luis Hernandez to meet Angel Correa’s cross in front of about 63,000 fans.

Atletico left the Vicente Calderon at the end of last season and started the campaign with three away games.

They returned to Madrid on Saturday for 12 hours of celebrations at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Spain’s royal air force took part in a flyover pre-match and the match ball was delivered by paragliders in front of Spanish king Felipe VI, a supporter of the club.

Diego Simeone’s side are a point behind Real Sociedad and four off leaders Barcelona.

“As a player or a coach I have never seen anything like it,” said Simeone. “The memory will live with me for the rest of my life. All the Atletico flags flying, the fans’ involvement. I wanted to go on and play.”

Bottom side Malaga could easily have put a dampener on the party, though, with Swansea loanee Borja Baston forcing a save from Jan Oblak in the first half and Diego Rolan going close in the final minute.

-BBC