'Head Atletico to La Liga title glory' – Goal's World Player of the Week Diego Godin

Barcelona

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Atletico Madrid

When Diego Costa burst into tears on the side of the pitch after injury ended his afternoon prematurely and Alexis Sanchez fired Barcelona into the lead on Saturday, the Liga trophy looked to be staying at Camp Nou.

However, Atleti reached deep into their seemingly bottomless reservoir of collective will to haul themselves level through the unlikely figure of Diego Godin, before clinging on to seal a first title since 1996. 

Goal’s Alec Fenn said: “With one giant leap and thrust of his forehead, Godin etched his name into Atletico folklore and at last broke Barcelona and Real Madrid’s 10-year monopoly over La Liga.

“The Uruguay centre-back has been part of a defence that has leaked just 22 goals all season, with his goal encapsulating the very reason the title will reside at the Vicente Calderon for the next 12 months.

“Barca, for all their attacking talents, have a soft centre. Their defensive vulnerability was undone by the relentless unit assembled by Diego Simeone, who displayed all the spirit and togetherness to hold on that has been lacking at Camp Nou during a season of hierarchial unrest.”

Congratulations to Diego Godin, Goal’s 262nd World Player of the Week winner!

The Shortlist

Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal @TiernanMcKeown: “To be fair, a finish like that deserves the victory – class. #Ramsey.” Goal’s Enis Koylu: “Ended Arsenal’s nine-year trophy drought with the winning goal in the FA Cup final.”
Arjen Robben – Bayern Munich  @PhokuKid: “As old as he is, Robben is better than any winger in the EPL.” Goal’s Alec Fenn: “Bayern’s star man struck in extra-time as the Bavarians lifted the DFB-Pokal.”
Steven MacLean – St Johnstone @Demiluyi: “Deserved to win the Scottish Cup for his work-rate alone.” Goal’s Miles Chambers: “His goal helped St Johnstone to their first ever major trophy.”
Pierre-Michel Lasogga – Hamburg @Trabfan12: “Could be his last goal for the club but he’ll never score a more important one.” Goal’s Joe Wright: “Without his goal, Hamburg would be playing Bundesliga 2 football next season.”