Antoine Griezmann stunner grabs point for Atleti in Bilbao

Antoine Griezmann scored a late equaliser for Atletico Madrid to snatch a point for his side when they looked set for a damaging defeat against Athletic Bilbao.

Koke gave Diego Simeone’s side an early lead at San Mames, putting the visitors 1-0 up after just three minutes. His cross into Griezmann fooled the Athletic defence, with the ball bouncing all the way into the far corner of the net.

Atletico Madrid were well on top, but conceded an equaliser just before the half time break when Inigo Lekue smashed home a finish after cutting inside off the left side. It gave the hosts the springboard to move ahead through a powerful header from Oscar De Marcos after 56 minutes.

But just as Athletic Bilbao looked set to claim a result that would boost their own Champions League chances, Griezmann struck home the winner with a finish off the post.

Just how damaging was this result for Atletico Madrid? While one point is certainly better than no points, it doesn’t do much for Atletico Madrid’s fading title hopes. In fact, if they are truthful to themselves this result probably ends their hopes of finishing atop the pile this season, with Simeone most likely to be concerned from now on with preserving his side’s Champions League place. They have a fight on their hands in that respect as well.

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid): The French striker is the subject of much transfer speculation right now, but for the moment he is still an Atletico Madrid player, and isn’t Simeone glad for it. Griezmann is the player who defines Atleti as a team, digging them out of more holes than anyone else over the past two seasons. This was far from a vintage Griezmann display, but he was still the best player on the pitch.

Athletic Bilbao: Iraizoz 6, De Marcos 7, Balenziaga 6, Laporte 6, Boveda 5, San Jose 6, Iturraspe 7, Garcia 7, Muniain 8, Williams 5, Lekue 7. Subs: Susaeta 5, Rico 5, Villalibre 5

Atletico Madrid: Moya 5, Vrsaljko 6, Godin 4, Gimenez 5, Luis 6, Saul 7, Gabi 6, Koke 6, Carrasco 7, Griezmann 8, Gameiro 6. Subs: Torres 4, Gaitan 5, Correa 5.

3’ - GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 0-1 Atletico Madrid: Well, that didn't take long at all. Atletico Madrid have the lead after just three minutes, with Griezmann flicking home Koke's cross. First real attack. It might have gone straight in, actually.

43’ - GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 1-1 Atletico Madrid: What an exceptional equalising goal for the home side! Lekue takes the touch, opens up his body and smashes it home on the edge of the area. Wow!

57’ - GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Atletico Madrid: They have come from behind to claim a 2-1 lead! It's a super team goal from Athletic Bilbao, with Garcia cross into De Marcos, who heads home. Excellent!

82’ - GOAL! Athletic Bilbao 2-2 Atletico Madrid: That's an incredible strike! Just how valuable could that goal be for Atletico Madrid? Griezmann finds the bottom corner with a low strike from distance.

Atletico Madrid have yet to beat a side in the top six of La Liga this season.

Antoine Griezmann has scored five goals in 2017, more than any other La Liga player (in all competitions).

Oscar De Marcos is the only defender to have scored against Atletico Madrid in La Liga this season.