Antoine Griezmann in action against Galatsaray in Champions League.
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France global Antoine Griezmann scored twice in the first half to help Atletico Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Galatasaray in their Champions League opener in Group C on Tuesday.
Griezmann put the visitors ahead in the 18th minute of the Tuesday match (NZT Wednesday) when Juanfran sent in a cross from the right and the French global fired the ball past an outstretched Fernando Muslera in the Galatasaray goal.
At the heart of the second-half improvement was Manchester City loanee Denayer, who also made a vital interception to prevent a third for Atletico, and the young Belgian believes that Gala showed enough to prove they can be a force in Europe this season.
In an indication of the bleak mood on a muggy night at the Turk Telekom Arena, Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoglu substituted midfielder Emre Colak after he was whistled by his own fans.
Atletico eased down the tempo in the second half and, despite plenty of possession, Galatasaray never found the final penetrating touches to challenge Oblak’s goal.
But Atletico kept their lead intact despite the pressure and Griezmann had a chance to complete his hat-trick in the 86th minute but with only the keeper to beat, Muslera blocked his shot.
I think Galatasaray will give this a good go tonight and while Atletico are a tough team to break down this game should be open with the way both teams like to play the ball on the ground.
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Galatasaray will next play against FC Astana in Kazakhstan on September 30.
