Feature

Atletico Madrid opens Wanda Metropolitano with flair 

Spanish LaLiga football club Atletico Madrid notched a win for its inaugural game at its new state-of-the-art Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal of the game against Malaga on Saturday night, becoming the first player to score at the new 67,000-seat Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

“First I am happy with the win, as it was important to get the three points at home,” Griezmann told BeIN Sport at the final whistle. “I am very happy to have scored the first goal in this magnificent stadium. For me this is the best stadium to play in, not just as it is my club’s. Hopefully the fans cheer us on in the most important games. We are picking up our rhythm bit by bit.”

While the low-key 1-0 win wasn’t much to shout about, the emotional pre-game ceremony, in which the club’s four former stadiums were remembered on the pitch before the match ball was delivered by parachute by members of Spain’s air force, was a memorable moment for Atletico fans.

Following the game, fans stuck around to catch a fireworks display and then left the stadium into the still-to-be-completed surroundings without a hitch.

Tonight was a party for all Atleticos and would not have been possible without everyone who has been through this club over the years,” said fans’ hero Fernando Torres. “We have all lived it very intensely, leaving the Calderon last year and now this. These are moments that will go down in history; we will remember them forever. To be part of this is an honour and a responsibility.”

Image: Carlos Delgado