Barcelona striker completed his century on Sunday against one of his former clubs, Real Sociedad, in their La Liga opener.
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Antoine Griezmann needed only one game in the new season to already celebrate a significant milestone – his one hundredth appearance for FC Barcelona. “I am proud and happy to have reached this figure” the Frenchman told the club’s media. After joining from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2019, the striker is now into his third season at the club. He celebrated the landmark feat against another one of his former clubs, Real Sociedad. It was at Sociedad, Griezmann first came to prominence in Spanish football before switching to Atletico, where he enjoyed massive success.
His 100 appearances for the Spanish giants include 78 in La Liga, 16 in Champions League, 9 in Copa del Rey and three in Spanish Super Cup. The French striker, however, was unable to add to his 35 goals at the weekend. He almost scored with a spectacular scissors kick and also hit the crossbar. Despite not getting on the scoresheet, Antoine Griezmann said, “It was very important to get a win in the first game with the fans back, who we haven’t seen for so long. It was a good game and hopefully we can now get another win against Athletic.”
Griezmann needs only 14 more goals to equal legendary Thierry Henry’s tally as the highest scoring Frenchman at Barcelona. Henry has scored 49, with Ludovic Giuly third with 26. “I hope I get to play another 100 games and carry on giving everything to make history with this club” he added. “I want to keep helping the team both on and off the pitch, in attack and defence, and enjoying being at Barca.”
Barcelona started the new La Liga season with a thumping 4-2 victory over Real Sociedad last weekend. On the back of the positive opening day result, Barcelona will be looking to make it two wins out of two in La Liga 2021/22 on Saturday against Athletic Club. Antoine Griezmann did not get on the scoresheet against his former club in the first match, however, he was a constant attacking threat throughout the match.
Meanwhile, centre-back Gerard Pique netted Barcelona’s first official goal of the 2021/21 season when he headed in an 18th minute assist from debutant Memphis Depay against Real Sociedad. It was also the defender’s fiftieth goal for the team, and came on the day that fans were finally back into the Camp Nou.
Martin Braithwaite scored a brace, while Sergi Roberto netted the final goal of the match. In their first match, Barcelona seemed to be in cruise control, leading 3-0 but Sociedad pulled two late goals back. Their chances of getting something from the match disappeared when Roberto scored the fourth for the home side in injury time.
Earlier, it all started with veteran defender Pique opening the scoring. The Spanish centre-back also led the team for passes, 75, in a week in which the reduction in his salary proved hugely important for ensuring that other players could be registered in time to compete. “I had to help the club” he said after the game.
