A last-minute header from defender Jose Maria Gimenez gave Atletico Madrid a 2-1 win over RB Leipzig in their opening Champions League match on Thursday.
Already in the fourth minute, the German guests took a surprise lead, striker Benjamin Sesko scored a header after a quick counterattack.
However, in the 28th minute, Antoine Griezmann equalized with a beautiful volley into the top corner.
Atletico dominated the game with a total of 20 shots on goal, but it was not until the 90th minute that they finally managed to score the winning goal when Gimenez headed in a cross from Griezmann.
“We knew that any mistake could cost us a goal and that’s exactly what happened, but we were mature enough to stay calm and make up the deficit,” Griezmann told Movistar Plus.
“It’s very important to start on the right foot and win. Every Champions League game is difficult, no matter who the opponent is. We have to work hard and keep going like this.”
“We tried until the last moment. We have a strong squad that will make the difference, like today. We are on the right track, but this is just the beginning.”
Atletico put pressure on Leipzig from the start and both Angel Correa and Griezmann created good chances early on, but a mistake by midfielder Rodrigo de Paul in the fourth minute allowed the visitors to counter and take the lead.
The Argentine lost the ball to Sesko, who made a quick dash down the pitch, embarrassing Atletico’s defense.
Lois Openda received the ball from the right and shot from the edge of the penalty area, but goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a brilliant one-handed save, but Sesko was quicker on the rebound than defender Robin Le Normand and headed into the empty goal.
However, the goal did not affect the momentum of the game, as the hosts continued to increase the pressure and created several chances until Griezmann equalized in the 28th minute.
Angel Correa initiated a quick counterattack, finding Marcos Llorente on the right wing and Griezmann volleyed his cross into the top corner.
After several more chances, the Frenchman forced Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi to make a one-handed save to keep out a close-range header in the 79th minute. However, just before the end, he passed the assist to his teammate Gimenez, giving Atletico a deserved win.
Atletico travel to Lisbon to face Benfica, while Leipzig face Juventus in Turin on the second round of Champions League action in October.
