Atletico Madrid defeated Marseille 3-0 in the Europa League final.
Diego Simeone’s men were favourites prior to kick-off and took a first half lead through Antoine Griezmann. Marseille’s hopes of staging a comeback against a famously resolute defence were dealt a further blow within minutes when Dimitri Payet, the former West Ham star, had to leave the field through what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Griezmann added a second shortly after half-time with Gabi completing the scoring minutes from the final whistle.
With Atleti’s player still celebrating their final goal of the night, Diego Simeone finally summoned his last substitute from the bench. Replacing Griezmann, on came Fernando Torres to make his final appearance for his boyhood club.
This was a significant night for the 34-year-old. Having confirmed last month that he would leave the club for a second time, it was the last opportunity for him to win a major trophy with them. After leaving for Liverpool in 2007, Torres was away for Atleti’s last two Europa League successes in 2010 and 2012. He also missed their La Liga win in 2014 and Cope Del Rey triumph a year before that.
Although it might have seemed like a fitting way to make his last appearance for the club, many watching felt he could have been introduced to the game much sooner. Although he did help Gabi lift the trophy soon after, the fact he didn’t make a touch in his final appearance came as a disappointment to some of those watching.
Get Torres on ffs. Was prepared to sub him on 1-0 down vs Arsenal away. But not at 2-0 ffs
— Megan (@megan_442) May 16, 2018
Sub on @Torres pls 😢 #Atletico #ATLETI
— Renzo ~ [SDMN] (@RenzoOo_B) May 16, 2018
Bet Torres is FUMING 90th minute sub and had one touch of the ball
— Adam Hankey (@ATHankey91) May 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/JamesHS9/status/996852525805592576
Torres didn't even touch the ball 💔
— Don Montles (@Sir_TM) May 16, 2018
