Atletico Madrid 2-1 RB Leipzig: Jose Maria Gimenez’s Late Header Secures Dramatic Victory - In Pics

A late header from defender Jose Maria Gimenez was enough to give Atletico Madrid a 2-1 win over RB Leipzig in the opener of their Champions League campaign. The Germans stunned Atletico at the Commerzbank Arena by taking an early lead, a fourth-minute header from striker Benjamin Sesko following a quick counter-attack. But, however, Antoine Griezmann levelled the score with a brilliant volley into the top corner in the 28th minute. Atletico completely dominated the match with 20 shots to the goal and only won in the 90th minute of the game when Gimenez headed the cross given by Griezmann into the back of the net. Griezmann, as in this match, became the alchemist of Atletico converting into goals and assists, together with creating three chances, and winning all his aerial duels, recovered the ball eight times.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 20 September 2024 2:25 pm

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Atletico Madrid players celebrate at the end of the match | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Atletico Madrid players celebrate at the end of the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid. Atletico Madrid won 2-1.

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, center, with teammates at the end of the match | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, center, with teammates at the end of the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid.

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez heads the ball to score his team's second goal | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez, center, heads the ball to score his team's second goal past Leipzig's goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid.

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Atletico Madrid's head coach Diego Simeone, right, gives instructions | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Atletico Madrid's head coach Diego Simeone, right, gives instructions during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid.

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann reacts after missing a chance | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann reacts after missing a chance during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid.

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo Riquelme, left, vies for the ball with Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo Riquelme, left, vies for the ball with Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid.

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Leipzig's Xavi Simons, second right, vies for the ball with Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Leipzig's Xavi Simons, second right, vies for the ball with Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid.

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid.

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo De Paul, right, runs with the ball with Leipzig's David Raum | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Atletico Madrid's Rodrigo De Paul, right, runs with the ball with Leipzig's David Raum during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid.

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UEFA Champions League, RB Leipzig vs Atletico Madrid: Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, left, vies for the ball with Atletico Madrid's Robin Le Normand | Photo: AP/Manu Fernandez

Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, left, vies for the ball with Atletico Madrid's Robin Le Normand during to the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig at the Metropolitano stadium, in Madrid.