Diego Godín is one of the world’s greatest defenders, a terrifying monster who gobbles up attackers like the Cookie Monster eats cookies. He’s not a flashy player with step-overs for days like Cristiano Ronaldo, unnecessary flair like Neymar or blazing speed like Kylian Mbappé, but make no mistake Godín is one of the world’s best players, and a perfect example of what he means to Atlético Madrid was on display on Saturday with this Godin goal vs Bilbao.
In the past, we’ve discussed garra charrua and how it defines Uruguayan players. Read the full story here, but for a tl;dr version, it’s the fighting spirit to do whatever it takes to help your team win.
While some equate garra charrua to Luis Suarez’s biting antics, no player better embodies garra charrua than Godín, the Uruguay national team and Atlético Madrid team captain.
On Saturday against Athletic Bilbao, Godín needed every ounce of strength and fighting spirit in him to help Atlético pull out a late 3-2 win.
Bilbao led 2-1 in the 64th minute when Iñaki Williams beat Godín for pace to score his second goal of the match. On the play Godín felt a muscle go. But Atlético coach Diego Simeone had already used all three substitutions, meaning Godín had to play the remaining third of the match on a hobbled leg.
Williams’ second goal came shortly after Thomas had equalized for Atlético and we’re going to show you the goal just because of what a cracking shot it was.
Rodri equalized for Atlético in the 80th minute with a header off a corner kick but Simeone wanted a winner, knowing his side could pull within one point of league-leading Barcelona with a win against a team in the bottom quarter of the LaLiga standings.
So late in the match, with Godín still hobbling, he told his captain to stay forward.
Godin on TV “In the Williams’ goal I felt the muscle go. But we’d made all three subs so I couldn’t go off. Simeone told me to stay on up front, in case of a corner or a play in the area. I tried to help as I could and it worked out well.”
— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) November 10, 2018
It did work out. The Godin goal vs Bilbao in the 91st minute gave Atlético all three points, the Uruguayan getting his head to a ball in the box and using his powerful neck muscles to put away the winner.
A true warrior that Godín.
Atlético is now second on 23 points, one back of Barcelona, which plays Real Betis on Sunday.
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