Atletico's "genuine tough guys" are eliminating RB Leipzig
In the biting end, Bundesliga club RB Leipzig can't expect Champions League points for a while, but they get a chilly wake-up call in the final minute. Atletico Madrid snags the three points at home, celebrating wildly after saving the day.
RB Leipzig faltered in their opening Champions League match due to unforeseen circumstances. The seemingly invincible side under coach Marco Rose succumbed to Atlético Madrid's relentless mental attack, ending in a disappointing 1:2 (1:1) defeat. As a result, Leipzig has tasted defeat for the first time this season and are now lagging behind in the quest for the knockout stage in the tournament's elite competition. Prior to this clash, Leipzig had enjoyed an unblemished run of 16 games.
Christoph Baumgartner voiced his displeasure on DAZN, stating, "We're really bummed out because we should have at least gotten a point here in Madrid. Maybe Atlético was just a goal better today." The team's confidence diminished after the initial lead, and they failed to capitalize on opportunities.
Atlético's Antoine Griezmann (28') and José María Giménez (90') dealt Leopzig their failure, with Benjamin Sesko (4') scoring an early goal for the guests. Now, Leipzig faces substantial pressure in the upcoming home games against Juventus Turin (October 2nd) and FC Liverpool (October 23rd). In the revised league structure, the top eight advance directly to the round of 16.
"Something's already bearing down on us"
Warmed up for the encounter, Rose had warned, "Atlético comes at us with enormous speed on both flanks, something's already bearing down on us." After revealing his plan the following day, the RB coach made the unexpected switch from a three-man to a four-man defense, featuring Antonio Nusa and Xavi Simons in attack, as well as the Atlético loanee Arthur Vermeeren in place of Kevin Kampl.
In their match against a Madrid side who reinforced their squad with a staggering €185 million, Rose's strategy initially produced favorable results for Leipzig. Compared to their dismal 0:0 outing against Union Berlin the previous weekend, Leipzig asserted itself effectively in the attacking half, creating plenty of opportunities. After an Atlético attack, Sesko redirected the ball through midfield, launching a counter-attack. His teammate, Lois Openda, attempted a shot, only to see it blocked by Madrid's goalkeeper, Oblak. However, Sesko expertly headed in the rebound. 1-0.
Griezmann restores the balance with a stunning volley
As the hosts regained their composure, their dominant presence in the game was evident, contradicting their typical ideology. Leipzig were left struggling to keep up, and they paid the price when Griezmann looped a beautiful volley. 1-1.
Even post-halftime, Atlético continued to dominate, while Leipzig struggled to create any meaningful attacks. With few eye-catching opportunities, the match was relatively dull, until RB witnessed a flurry of chances. Henrichs attempted a powerful direct free-kick from the center, but his shot was saved by Oblak. Substitute Yussuf Poulsen almost scored later in the game, but could only head wide. In the 90th minute, Gimenez scored the winning header. Delighted coach Diego Simeone burst onto the pitch, and the Metropolitano Stadium erupted with noise.
Despite their league-leading form, RB Leipzig's Champions League campaign suffered a setback with a 1:2 loss to Atlético Madrid. This defeat puts their progress in the tournament's elite stage at risk.
Faced with the challenge of Atlético's strong defense and formidable attack, RB Leipzig will look to regroup before their upcoming matches against Juventus Turin and FC Liverpool in the Champions League.
