• Match preview

Leipzig stun Atletico to seal Champions League semi-final spot

Leipzig stun Atletico
Getty Images
Advertisement

RB Leipzig secured the biggest win in their history as they knocked Atletico Madrid out of the Champions League to advance to the semi-finals.

On paper, Leipzig came into this fixture as underdogs and had a huge task ahead of them. Fresh from knocking holders Liverpool, Atletico looked geared up to go all the way in the competition this time.

Julian Nagelsmann had his biggest headache in replacing Timo Werner who departed for Chelsea in June. It seemed an impossible task for the German side but they defied the odds to secure a 2-1 victory against Diego Simeone’s men.

The Bundesliga side had the better of an even first half and Marcel Halstenberg missed perhaps the best chance of the opening 45 minutes. He volleyed over with his left foot following a corner.

The first half ended level but the second half is where things lit up.  Dani Olmo glanced a header past Oblak early in the second period to hand Leipzig a precious lead.

Simeone brought in Joao Felix few minutes after and that decision seemed to pay off. 12 minutes after coming on, Lukas Klostermann brought down the youngster in the box for a penalty. Felix made no mistake and leveled the scores again.

Another substitute will go on to decide the game. Tyler Adams came on for Leipzig just after Atletico grabbed their equalizer. The 21-year old took a strike outside the box two minutes from time. His shot deflected off Atletico defender Stefan Savic and went past Jan Oblak.

For a side who were formed in 2009, they now find themselves in the Champions League semi-finals eleven years after.

Julian Nagelsmann also made some history. Aged just 33, he is the youngest ever coach to reach the Champions League semi-finals.

Leipzig now have a bigger task ahead of them. They will face a hungry PSG side in the semi-finals next week.

Watch all the goals and highlights of the Leipzig vs Atletico game.

x