Griezmann scores again off the bench to give Atletico Madrid’ 2-1 win over Valencia

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Antoine Griezmann scored the winner after coming off the bench to help Atletico Madrid beat Valencia 2-1 Saturday and stay in touch with the La Liga front-runners.

Griezmann replaced Julián Álvarez with half an hour to go with Atletico leading after Koke Resurrección scored from a rebound in the 17th minute.

Lucas Beltrán pulled the visitors level in the 63rd with a shot from outside the area as the Argentine striker skirted past a defender and lashed a long strike just inside the post.

Griezmann restored the lead in the 74th at the Metropolitano Stadium when he used an exquisite control, hooking down a long ball with the tip of his boot, before he fired in the winner.

The 34-year-old Griezmann has taken a more limited role with Atletico this season, but he is still proving to be decisive. The former France star scored two goals as a substitute in a 3-1 win over Levante last month and also netted after coming on in the second half against Sevilla and Real Madrid.

His winner against Valencia increased his record haul for Atletico to 204 career goals.

Fourth-placed Atletico was six points behind Barcelona before the leader hosted Osasuna later.

The loss for Valencia will increase the pressure on coach Carlos Corberán with the team in 17th place just on the edge of the relegation zone.

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