Fernando Pessoa, the famous Portuguese poet, worked on his “Book of Unrest” for 20 years. What is not that long: restlessness needs to be overcome with patience. Patience was what Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann had asked his team for the Champions League quarter-final against Atlético Madrid, and it showed it. Only two minutes before the end of regular time they scored the 2-1 winning goal through Tyler Adams. RB Leipzig will meet Paris St.-Germain in the semifinals.
Nagelsmann had at least publicly toyed with the idea of facing Atlético with two “breakers” in the storm. In the end, he decided to populate the midfield – with many nimble, fine-footed players who should explore the gaps with patience. Behind – and around – center forward Yussuf Poulsen acted Dani Olmo, Christopher Nkunku, Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer and Kevin Kampl. Anyone who expected a tender or volatile Leipzig team was mistaken. In any case, you couldn’t tell that Atlético was already playing European knockout rounds when the establishment of RB Leipzig was not even considered. From A to Z, from the outstanding Dayot Upamecano, who canceled Atlético’s penalty area horror Diego Costa and found time to open the game, to Poulsen in the attack, the Leipzig team were always able to outdo Atlético.
Nothing disturbed her; Least of all that it took an effort to develop opportunities. It’s part of every script when you play against the defensive artists at Atlético Madrid. From the perspective of Leipzig, it was all the more tragic that Marcel Halstenberg sent the ball from six meters into the orphaned stands of the Estádio José Alvalade in the first few minutes. On the other side, Yannick Carrasco reminded Leipzig of their vulnerability, but goalkeeper Peter Gulasci directed the Belgian’s shot to a corner. Leipzig controlled, but they got their first real chance after the break. The ball moved from left to right, patiently so that Marcel Sabitzer could cross. Olmo, who had already indicated his class in the first half, held out his head from five meters (see photo) – and scored the lead (51st).
Atlético coach Diego Simeone immediately brought in João Félix as a signal that Atlético should rush into relentless attacks. And Atlético’s € 126 million purchase changed the game, initially conjuring up disorder and a clear penalty in the 70th minute after a tackle by Lukas Klostermann. Félix converted the penalty with an instep. The equalizer electrified the game, Atlético pushed, Leipzig wavered. But in the 88th minute, after a fine combination, the shot from Adams came, which Stefan Savic deflected and rewarded Leipzig’s patience.
.
