Antoine Griezmann’s brace against Real Betis proves why Barcelona signed him over the summer.
The 28-year-old Frenchman scored the team’s first two goals, an exquisite volley in the 41st minute followed by a beautiful well-placed strike in the 50th minute. He was involved in nine of the team’s 20 shots 5-2 victory over Real Betis — the forward also provided an assist.
Griezmann had never scored in his 14 games as an opponent at Camp Nou. Interestingly, he's also the first new signing ever to score a debut brace in his opener at the stadium.
The newest Blaugrana's goal celebration didn’t go unnoticed either. After scoring his second goal of the match, Griezmann celebrated by throwing blue and red confetti into the air, a nod to NBA star Lebron James’s iconic chalk toss.
Griezmann nonetheless contributed the celebration to Messi, saying “I saw Lionel Messi do that in training and I copied him.”
A night to remember, a signing to remember?
Barca fans that rued the signing of Griezmann over his first snub of the club after the 2017-18 season, now have something to cheer about. Even Messi, who preferred the return of Neymar over Griezmann, may be having second thoughts. Griezmann is the Catalan giant's new star in the making.
“He reacted perfectly… It is essential that more players score goals, said coach Valverde on Griezmann. “The fact that Griezmann scores gives him some security.”
The two goals and an assist should be the first of many for Griezmann, who will continue to face question marks over his share of the pitch with strike partners Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez upon their return.
In the meantime, with a dazzling display perhaps should shift their focus on what haircut the Frenchman will sport next.
