Atletico Madrid Snatch Late Winner Against RB Leipzig In Champions League Opener.
Atletico Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig in their Champions League opener, thanks to a 90th-minute winner from Jose Maria Gimenez. The Spanish side fought back after conceding an early goal to claim all three points in a thrilling encounter.
RB Leipzig took an early lead in the fourth minute, with Benjamin Sesko heading the German visitors in front. However, Atletico Madrid responded through Antoine Griezmann, who levelled the match with a volleyed effort after 28 minutes, marking his 37th goal in the competition.
Griezmann, a key figure throughout the match, was denied a second goal by a superb save from RB Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. But it was the French forward’s pinpoint cross in the dying moments that set up Gimenez, whose powerful downward header sealed the victory for Atletico.
Conor Gallagher, who joined Atletico Madrid from Chelsea in August for £33 million, made his debut as a second-half substitute, coming on in the 63rd minute with the score tied at 1-1. Gallagher is the second English player to represent Atletico in the Champions League, following Kieran Trippier.
Atletico’s next Champions League fixture will see them travel to Benfica on 2nd October, while RB Leipzig will host Juventus on the same day. The victory provides a perfect start for Diego Simeone’s side as they look to make an impact in this year’s competition.
