Jose Gimenez powered home a last-minute header as Atletico Madrid got their UEFA Champions League campaign off to a winning start against RB Leipzig at the Estadio Metropolitano.
The game looked to be heading for a draw after Antoine Griezmann cancelled out Benjamin Sesko’s early opener for the visitors, until the Frenchman turned provider with the cross that saw Gimenez seal a 2-1 win.
Leipzig had made a stunning start as they swept in front with just three minutes on the clock following a lightning break by Sesko from deep in his own half.
This. Is. Atleti. pic.twitter.com/dCJrVUQMge
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 19, 2024
The Slovenia international fed Lois Openda whose shot rebounded back off Atletico keeper Jan Oblak into the path of Sesko, who headed home.
Diego Simeone’s side responded by piling on the pressure with Julian Alvarez, Griezmann and Marcos Llorente all having chances before Angel Correa hit the post following a corner.
Atletico’s increasingly inevitable equaliser duly arrived with 27 minutes on the clock when Llorente worked his way into space down the right and crossed for Griezmann to lash into the top corner of the net.
The visitors continued to have the better of the chances with Alvarez and Gimenez both coming close, although Leipzig responded with Benjamin Henrichs bringing a save out of Oblak on the hour mark.
Xavi Simons missed Leipzig’s last chance before Atletico summoned one last opportunity and Griezmann’s excellent cross from the left was headed home by Gimenez to seal the points.
