Diego Simeone’s team Atletico Madrid launched an explosive beginning at Estadio Metropolitano, with Rodrigo de Paul seizing the opportunity in the fourth minute. He capitalized on Ian Maatsen’s errant pass, intercepted during Dortmund’s attempt to navigate through Atletico’s relentless press.
The visitors appeared noticeably anxious in the opening stages, but just as they seemed to find their rhythm in the game, another defensive error led to wing-back Samuel Lino receiving Antoine Griezmann’s cleverly placed pass and confidently scoring Atletico’s second goal.
Dortmund showed signs of improvement towards the end of the first half and once more after halftime. However, it was an outstanding save by Gregor Kobel that prevented Lino from scoring a second goal from close range, as he made an unexpected appearance at the back post.
Having so nearly been out of the tie, Dortmund were right back in it soon afterwards when substitute Sebastien Haller swivelled to crash the ball in at the near post.
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That goal sparked a thrilling conclusion to the match with Mats Hummels, on his 500th Dortmund appearance, atoning for his own error to get back and affect Angel Correa’s shot with the Atletico forward through on goal.
Moments later, 19-year-old English winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens came within inches of bringing Dortmund level when his fierce left-foot strike hit the crossbar via a deflection off Cesar Azpilicueta.
Edin Terzic’s side came even closer with the last action of the game as another substitute, Julian Brandt, leapt to meet Julian Ryerson’s cross but saw his header bounce back off the angle of bar and post with Jan Oblak beaten.
Having survived those late scares, Atletico have the edge going into the second leg at Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion next Tuesday.
BY: EMMANUEL AMOAH
