Atletico Madrid stunned German side Borussia Dortmund by 2-1 in the UCL clash

Atletico Madrid successfully secured victory in the first leg of the 2023/2024 Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday (10th April 2024). The entertaining German side, Borussia Dortmund fell short as Los Rojiblancos were able to win with a score of 2-1. Atletico's winning goals were scored by Rodrigo De Paul and Samuel Lino, while Dortmund were able to reduce the position thanks to a goal from Sebastian Haller. This victory is valuable capital for Atletico to visit Germany next week on 16th April 2024. As the host, Atleti appeared aggressive in this match from the first minute, they continued to pressure their guests.

Only four minutes into the game, Simeone's side Atletico was able to score the first goal in this match. Starting from Ian Maatsen's wrong pass, De Paul managed to grab the ball and the midfielder entered the Dortmund penalty box and found the visitors' goal. The score turned 1-0 in favour of the hosts. In the 8th minute of the game, the Yellow Submarine's goal was almost conceded from a corner kick, where the ball was headed perfectly by Axel Witsel however, this time Kobel was able to ward off this dangerous opportunity. Dortmund in this match was quite overwhelmed by Atletico's game and they struggled to develop their game amidst the attacks from the host. In the 32nd minute, Atletico Madrid managed to double their lead to 2-0 and this time Antoine Griezmann sent a pass to Samuel Lino who was unmarked, and then he fired a low curling shot which Kobel failed to block.

Behind one goal Dortmund try to increase the intensity of their attacks. Dortmund's dangerous opportunity was only created through Ian Maatsen's action in the 43rd minute, but his shot was saved by Jan Oblak. The 2-0 score lasted until halftime, entering the second half, Terzic made one substitution. Felix Nmecha was withdrawn and replaced by Julian Brandt being left behind, Dortmund tried to play more aggressively in the second half. However, Atletico Madrid also played quite disciplined so Dortmund had difficulty developing their game. In the 75th minute, Dortmund's goal was almost conceded if Kobel had not been quick to parry Lino's volley. After carrying out several experiments, Dortmund was finally able to break into Atletico Madrid's goal in the 81st minute. Escaping the offside trap, Sebastian Haller received a through pass from Brandt, then he turned his body and fired a shot which Oblak failed to stop and made the scoreline 1-2 for Visitors.

This goal made Dortmund motivated it was their turn to press Atletico Madrid's goal to score the second goal. However, until the match ended, the score 2-1 remained in favour of the hosts. For his outstanding performance, Antoine Griezmann was chosen as the man of the match for this game. The French striker was considered to have a substantial role in this match. According to the UEFA panellists, Griezmann appeared dominant in this match, he contributed greatly to Atletico's victory even though he did not score a goal in this match. "He [Griezmann] did everything well," opened the official UEFA panellist statement. "He was able to dictate the tempo of the game, he provided assists to Lino and he also helped Atletico's defense very well," concluded the official statement.

Lineups:

Atletico Madrid (3-5-2): Oblak; Azpilicueta, Gimenez, Witsel; Lino, De Paul, Koke, Llorente, Molina; Griezmann, Morata

Coach : Diego Simeone

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Maatsen, Schlotterbeck, Hummels, Ryerson; Can, Sabitzer; Adeyemi, Nmecha, Sancho; Fullkrung

Coach: Edin Terzic