2024-09-19 04:43:25
At the Metropolitano, Atlético Madrid had an ideal first half for Diego Simeone against a Borussia Dortmund that seemed to be knocked out, but he kept them alive, and scored 2-1, which leaves the UEFA Champions League quarter-final series open to be decided in Germany.
The team led by Edin Terzic could not gain a foothold in almost 80 minutes of the match in the Spanish capital and came up against an organized, focused and intense Atlético attacking and defending, just as their coach likes.
Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring very quickly in the match that can be relived on Star+ (only for South America): when barely four minutes of play had passed in Madrid, Gregor Kobel tried to play out from the German area, with a short pass to Ian Maatsen who failed under Koke’s high pressure, the ball was left loose, at the goal and De Paul, coming from behind, took advantage of the error, advanced in two strides and defined subtly to the near post.
The goal only served to accentuate Atlético’s dominance and it was only a matter of time before the second goal arrived: Borussia Dortmund’s defence once again failed to cope with the home side’s pressure, and with a great triangulation from right to left by Morata, Antoine Griezmann and Samuel Lino, the Brazilian scored the 2-0 in the 32nd minute.
The Germans looked for a reaction before the break, and they found themselves up against an Atlético that defended in a block: the three-man back line quickly became six. Jadon Sancho was the only one able to stir the hearts of the home fans a little, and that was all. The number 10 was the only hope.
Despite Atlético’s drop in intensity in the second half, Dortmund did nothing to endanger their 2-0 lead until almost the end. Kobel even prevented the third goal with a great save in a one-on-one with Lino, who easily slipped in from the right. The 74th minute had passed. Everything seemed decided.
Jan Oblak did not have to intervene throughout the match. He had not touched it and did not touch it, because the visiting team’s discount came surprisingly. Just as Atlético charged the opposing defence dearly for its errors, a lack of concentration in the Atlético defence allowed Julian Brandt to set up Sebastián Haller, who entered the area alone, scored and put uncertainty into the final 10 minutes and the series in general.
Now, with the minimum difference, the pass to the semi-finals of the top European competition will be decided on Tuesday, April 16 at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.