admin
Atlético Madrid may have secured a slender lead in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Borussia Dortmund, but their performance left much to be desired, particularly in the second half.
The 2-1 victory at home extends Atlético’s remarkable record of never losing a home knockout tie in the Champions League under the stewardship of Diego Simeone. This marks their 17th such match, with 11 wins and 6 draws. However, Sébastien Haller’s late goal for Dortmund means the German side returns to Dortmund trailing by only one goal.
Haller’s goal, his 12th in just 13 UEFA Champions League appearances, served as a poignant moment, marking his return to the competition following a challenging period battling testicular cancer. The Ivorian striker’s resilience and goal-scoring prowess were evident, providing Dortmund with a glimmer of hope for the second leg.
The match began in electrifying fashion for Atlético, with Rodrigo De Paul capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to open the scoring within four minutes. However, it was a comedy of errors that led to Atlético’s second goal, as Samuel Lino found the net after Nico Schlotterbeck inadvertently headed the ball onto Mats Hummels, presenting an opportunity for Antoine Griezmann to assist Lino’s strike.
Griezmann’s performance was a standout, creating six chances throughout the match, his highest tally in a Champions League game and the most by an Atlético player in a knockout-stage match since Koke’s feat against PSV in 2016.
Despite their first-half dominance, Atlético opted for a more defensive approach in the second half, seeking to frustrate Dortmund while offering little in attack themselves. Haller’s goal injected renewed vigor into Dortmund, setting the stage for an intriguing second leg in Germany.
The disparity in Atlético’s attacking threat between the two halves was evident, with only six touches in the Dortmund box after halftime compared to 21 before it. However, Dortmund’s unbeaten record in their last nine UEFA Champions League home games underscores the challenge Atlético faces in the return fixture.
As the teams prepare for the second leg, Atlético will be mindful of Dortmund’s resilience and the importance of maintaining focus for the entirety of the match. With the tie delicately poised, both sides will be eager to seize the initiative and secure a place in the semi-finals, setting the stage for another thrilling encounter in the UEFA Champions League.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings