Grimaldo's reunion with Barcelona: "I can't wait for it to start"

Grimaldo returns to face Barcelona with Atlético Madrid on Sunday, eager for the match to begin after leaving the club for Benfica in 2015.

Alejandro Grimaldo will face his former club Barcelona when Atlético Madrid visits on Sunday. The Valencia-born winger departed Barcelona B for Benfica in 2015 after failing to break into the first team, partly due to a lack of rapport with then-manager Luis Enrique.

Grimaldo has faced Barcelona twice before, both times with Benfica in the 2021-22 Champions League group stage, winning 3-0 in one match and drawing 0-0 in the other. He expressed his eagerness for the fixture: "We have a great match on Sunday. It's a beautiful match to watch for everyone, very important to play at home with our fans who help us make the difference. I can't wait for it to start."

The Atlético forward is in excellent form, having scored four goals and provided two assists this season. He was voted the club's player of the month by supporters. Grimaldo praised teammates Koke and Oblak, who will reach career milestones—751 and 554 appearances respectively—calling them club legends whose support has helped him settle quickly.