Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Alejandro Grimaldo insisted Atletico Madrid “have to stop making excuses” ahead of their LaLiga opener next week.
Atleti played their final pre-season friendly on Friday, coming from behind to defeat Marseille 2-1 at Orange Velodrome.
Grimaldo made his Atleti debut in the win, playing the first 36 minutes of the friendly, at which point they were 1-0 down.
Igor Paixao gave Marseille the lead before Rodrigo Mendoza and Carlos Martin scored either side of half-time to give Diego Simeone’s side the win.
Some Atleti players, including Grimaldo, have returned late due to their participation in the World Cup, but the left-back believes that cannot be used as an excuse.
“That’s football. But we have to stop making excuses,” said Grimaldo.
“We know some players were in the World Cup final, but we have to be in top form for Wednesday’s match. We have to achieve that, and we’re ready.
“I felt good, I was eager to play with my teammates. Some of us have only recently arrived and the match was important to get into rhythm.
“We’re a very strong team, a team with very good players and quality. But above all, the group is very united, and that’s very important for such a long season.”
First minutes in red and white pic.twitter.com/Um1jEy4hGd
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) August 14, 2026
Goalscorer Mendoza added: “Personally, I’m very happy with my first goal. My intention is to help the team win.
“This match gives us confidence and strength to start the league on Wednesday.”
Atleti host newly promoted Malaga in their opening match of the season, before also facing Villarreal at home just four days later.
Julian Alvarez is yet to return to the squad following the World Cup, though Simeone’s squad could be boosted by the signing of Cristian Romero, who has announced his departure from Tottenham.
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