Reigning Spanish, European and world champions Real Madrid are enduring a very poor season thus far, but the same cannot be said for their fierce city rivals.

No team in La Liga has conceded fewer goals than Atletico Madrid, they have a ten-point advantage over Los Blancos and, in fact, they are the nearest challengers to leaders Barcelona.

Diego Simeone's side travelled to relegation-threatened Malaga on Saturday afternoon and got off to a flying start thanks to their star man Antoine Griezmann.

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Saul Niguez's long-range strike deflected kindly into the path of the French forward who coolly found the back of the net on his weaker right foot to give Atleti the lead inside 40 seconds.

It was Griezmann's 12th goal of the campaign, however what he did during his celebration after being congratulated by his teammates was a truly beautiful moment.

Griezmann's lovely gesture

Following his goal, Griezmann got an Atletico jersey with the name Cholo Barbera on the back of it and held it up for the entire stadium to see, which you can see below.

The reason why this gesture was so great is because it was in tribute to Nacho, a 14-year-old youngster from Atleti's youth system who recently passed away.

Nacho, who died suddenly in Valencia, was out on loan at Spanish lower tier club UD Alzira, but he was an Atletico boy and hence was lovely to see Griezmann dedicate his goal to him.

Before the match at Malaga, Atletico tweeted pictures of a "Cholo Barbera" jersey inside their dressing room with the caption: "Cholito, you will always be in our hearts".

As many football fans know, Griezmann has a trademark "Hotline Bling" celebration, but tragic events like these put things into perspective and it was great for the 26-year-old to recognise it.

Next up for Atletico, currently second in La Liga, is a Europa League tie with FC Copenhagen before welcoming Athletic Bilbao to the Wanda Metropolitano.

What do YOU make of Griezmann's classy gesture for Atleti's youngster who sadly passed away? Leave YOUR thoughts in the comments box below!

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