Champions League Quarter-final: Atletico Madrid Holds Off Borussia Dortmund to Take Narrow Lead
Atletico Madrid managed to hold off a late surge from Borussia Dortmund to maintain a slender advantage after the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Diego Simeone’s side made a blistering start at Estadio Metropolitano, with Rodrigo de Paul giving them the lead in just the fourth minute after intercepting Ian Maatsen’s loose pass as Dortmund attempted to play out from the back under pressure from Atletico.
The visitors appeared nervy early on, and their defensive lapses were capitalized upon again as wing-back Samuel Lino calmly slotted home Atletico’s second goal after collecting Antoine Griezmann’s pass.
Despite Dortmund’s improvement towards the end of the first half and after the break, they were fortunate to avoid conceding further, with Gregor Kobel making a crucial save to deny Lino a second goal from close range.
However, Dortmund quickly got back into the game as substitute Sebastien Haller scored to reduce the deficit. The match reached an exhilarating conclusion, with Mats Hummels making a goal-saving block and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens coming agonizingly close to equalizing with a fierce shot that struck the crossbar.
Dortmund had another opportunity to level the scores in the dying moments as Julian Brandt’s header hit the woodwork, leaving them frustrated but still in contention.
With Atletico surviving Dortmund’s late onslaught, they hold the edge going into the second leg at Westfalenstadion next Tuesday.
Despite Dortmund’s early struggles, they can take comfort from their ability to stay in the tie despite Atletico’s dominance in the first half. Dortmund captain Emre Can acknowledged Atletico’s superiority in duels during certain phases of the game.
Dortmund’s defensive errors could have proved costly, but they showed resilience and determination to keep themselves in the tie. The introduction of Brandt injected fresh impetus into Dortmund’s performance, complementing the sharpness of Jadon Sancho throughout the game.
Atletico’s decision to adopt a more defensive approach in the second half allowed Dortmund more possession and opportunities to attack. Simeone’s reaction on the sidelines reflected his dissatisfaction with his team’s retreat, as Dortmund looked vulnerable whenever Atletico reverted to their high-pressing game.
Despite their victory, Atletico will be aware of the need to address their defensive vulnerabilities ahead of the second leg, while Dortmund will be buoyed by their late resurgence and eager to capitalize on any opportunities to overturn the deficit.
