MADRID, SEPT 20 – Atletico Madrid recovered from an early goal deficit from RB Leipzig to win in their Champions League opener yesterday.
Antoine Griezmann was once again Atletico’s star player, equalizing after 27 minutes and also assisting Jose Gimenez with a cross for the Uruguayan to head home the winner late in the game.
Initially, Leipzig surprised Atletico in the opening minutes of the match with their quick play and their tall striker Benjamin Sesko put them in front after just four minutes after Jan Oblak saved Lois Openda’s shot following a counter-attack initiated by Sesko.
There were a few nervous moments for Atletico afterwards, but Griezmann calmed their nerves when he equalized with a right-footed shot from Marcos Llorente.
The second half was a more even affair, with Llorente impressing for Atletico and Xavi Simons for Leipzig, but Gimenez’s late goal from Griezmann’s pass proved decisive in the 2-1 game. – Xinhua
