Griezmann surprisingly starts v Real Madrid: what it means for Barca

Antoine Griezmann has made Atletico Madrid's starting eleven against Real Madrid.

This is the first time the Frenchman makes Diego Simeone's lineup this season. Earlier, the player would only enter the pitch after the 60th minute.

Atletico probably believe they still have a certain number of matches in which Griezmann can play the full 90 minutes. They insist that, according to the loan terms, the player must play 50 per cent of all the games in two seasons for the buyout option to become obligatory – and this obligation is not fulfilled yet.

Barca claim Griezmann should play half of all the games in at least one season for it to happen – this obligation was fulfilled last season already.

So, each party keeps defending their own interests. The issue could be resolved in court unless the two parties come to an agreement.