ANTOINE GRIEZMANN started his first game of the season for Atletico Madrid and lasted more than 29 minutes.
The forward, 31, has become something of a hour half hero for Diego Simeone’s side this season.
Prior to the derby Griezmann had not played longer than 29 minutes in any Atletico game this season.
That’s because the Spanish giants are hoping to avoid paying Barcelona £34million as part of the deal that took the Frenchman to the Wanda Metropolitano.
Griezmann is in the second season of his two-year loan spell at Atletico but the move will be made permanent if he features in half of their games this season.
But the obligation is only reached if he plays a full 45 minutes of football in half the games.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
However, given the importance of the derby Simeone decided to start the World Cup winner in attack alongside Joao Felix.
But it did not have the desired effect as Real Madrid took a 2-0 half-time lead through Rodrygo and Fede Valverde.
Griezmann has featured in every Atletico game this season and has three goals from his previous seven substitute appearances in all competitions, including a late Champions League winner against Porto.
Football fans found it amusing that Griezmann was allowed to play more than his usual alloted 30 minutes, perhaps expecting Siemone may have hooked him before the half hour mark.
One supporter wrote: “Hold on, it’s been 30 minutes and Griezmann is still on the pitch
Another added: “Griezmann has OFFICIALLY played more than 30 mins write it down folks.”
And a third said: “I thought Griezmann was going to off at minute 30 .”
Barcelona fans were also happy to see Griezmann last the entire half as they are keen to offload him for £34m.
