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Griezmann hopes to bid Atletico farewell in spectacular fashion

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Atletico Madrid forward ⁠Antoine Griezmann is ​daring to dream of a fairytale finale after his side survived a fierce Barcelona fightback to reach their ​first Champions League semi-final in nine years on Tuesday.

A 2-1 home defeat was enough for Diego Simeone’s side to progress 3-2 on aggregate, the Metropolitano crowd exhaling at the final whistle as Atletico edged into ​the last ‌four.

For Griezmann, 35, it was a night thick with emotion.

Read moreChampions League: PSG through to semis after defeating Liverpool

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The Frenchman has ⁠already announced he will leave at the end of the season to join MLS side Orlando City, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable ‌spell in Madrid.

A World Cup winner with France in 2018, Griezmann first arrived at ⁠Atletico from Real Sociedad in 2014.

He departed for Barcelona in 2019 before returning three years later, rebuilding his bond with supporters and becoming one of the enduring faces of ​Simeone’s 15-year project.

His numbers underline that impact: 211 goals and 97 assists, making ‌him Atletico’s all-time leading scorer.

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Yet silverware has been scarce. The 2018 Europa League remains the only major trophy of his time with the Colchoneros, leaving this campaign as a final opportunity to sign off with something ‌special.

Atletico will face either Arsenal or Sporting in the semi-finals, with the London side leading 1-0 ahead of Wednesday’s second leg. Atletico are now ​two matches away from a first Champions League final since their appearances in 2014 and 2016.

“I’m very happy,” Griezmann told reporters.

“It doesn’t matter who we face, as long as we’re still in it ​and as long as we’re on top form right until the end. It’s been a brilliant ​but tough tie against a top-class side who play really well in ​Barcelona. It’s been a struggle, but we’re still in it.”

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In Spain glory could come as soon as Saturday with the Copa del Rey final ​against Real Sociedad in Seville, Griezmann’s boyhood club, with Atletico chasing their first domestic cup since 2013 and an end to a four-season wait for any title.

“It’s going to be a great match, a tough one, so we’ll need to get some rest. Now it’s time to start thinking about Saturday. What ⁠a great feeling,” Griezmann said.

“I hope I can help my team mates to do something beautiful this season, something historical. Our ⁠fans deserve it.

“After the ​match was over, I stayed on the pitch with them for several minutes, just enjoying the songs and the atmosphere, which was fantastic. Let’s keep going.”

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(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

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Meet the stars behind the film and the roles they play

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Normal (2026) is an American action film written by Derek Kolstad, directed by Ben Wheatley and dramatizing a story originally by Kolstad and Bob Odenkirk. Normal (2026) had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in late September 2025 and its US theatrical release on April 17, 2026. Normal (2026) is a story about a small-town sheriff who discovers a bigger criminal network, which leads to a series of violent incidents.

The film setting is a peaceful town that suddenly gets out of control with Normal (2026) mixing action with a multi-layered story about corruption, crime, and survival.

The movie features Bob Odenkirk as Sheriff Ulysses, alongside Henry Winkler as Mayor Kibner and Lena Headey as Moira, supported by a cast including Reena Jolly, Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Peter Shinkoda, and Jess McLeod.


Who stars in Normal (2026)?

1) Bob Odenkirk as Sheriff Ulysses

Bob Odenkirk - Source: GettyBob Odenkirk - Source: Getty
Bob Odenkirk – Source: Getty

Bob Odenkirk stars as the main character, Sheriff Ulysses, in Normal (2026). He is a well-known actor, writer, and producer who has won several awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards and has been nominated in most major categories several times. Odenkirk started his career as a writer for Saturday Night Live from 1987 to 1991.

He then moved on to work on The Ben Stiller Show, where he won an Emmy for writing. Besides, he was a writer for Late Night with Conan O’Brien and an actor in The Larry Sanders Show. Odenkirk became famous for his role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul, for which he was nominated multiple times for the Emmy Awards.

Besides the TV-series, he has been a part of Fargo and was also recognized for a guest role in The Bear. In the movie industry, Odenkirk has featured in Nobody and its sequel, while also having supporting roles in Little Women and The Post.

Read More: Who was Nadia Farès married to? Children and all you need to know as French actress dies aged 57

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2) Henry Winkler as Mayor Kibner

Henry Winkler- Source: GettyHenry Winkler- Source: Getty
Henry Winkler- Source: Getty

Mayor Kibner is portrayed by Henry Winkler in Normal (2026). Winkler is a seasoned actor who has enjoyed a lengthy career in television and film, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. In the early phase of his career, Winkler gained recognition for his role as Fonzie in Happy Days, which was on air from 1974 to 1984.

This acting effort catapulted him to become a well-known figure on television. As a result, he diversified into both the media of film and television. You can see him in projects like Scream, The Waterboy, and Click.

Recently, he has been active on the small screen with roles in Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, the latter of which won him an Emmy Award. Besides acting, Winkler has also been a director, producer, and author. For example, he has written a children’s book series that is based on his own experiences.


3) Lena Headey as Moira

Lena Headey - Source: GettyLena Headey - Source: Getty
Lena Headey – Source: Getty

Lena Headey portrays Moira in Normal (2026). She is an English actress whose career has encompassed television and film, earning her international fame. Playing Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones is probably Headey’s best-known work, a character for which she received several Emmy nominations and garnered great critical praise.

Additionally, she starred as Queen Gorgo in 300, one of her many cinema appearances, and The Purge is another example. She enjoys a diversified filmography featuring a variety of action, drama, and fantasy titles.

The Brothers Grimm and Imagine Me & You are among her earlier films while quite recently, television productions include Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Not limiting herself to live performances only, Headey has lent her voice to animated series and video games.

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The movie was released in theatres on April 17, 2026.