Borussia Dortmund missed out. Traveling to Atlético de Madrid, in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League, the Germans logically lost (2-1), after two big errors in the first half which cost them dearly. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel missed the first time in the fourth minute, delaying his clearance. His central defenders Nico Schlotterbeck and Mats Hummels then did not understand each other and allowed Samuel Lino to double the lead (32nd). Sébastien Haller, however, allowed the Germans to maintain their hope of qualification (81st).
The Colchoneros took the advantage very early. Too calm in his area, Gregor Kobel took his time before making his restart. Under pressure, his defender, Ian Maatsen, finally lost the ball, which returned to the feet of Rodrigo de Paul. The Argentine world champion didn’t ask any questions, and opened the scoring in a furious Metropolitano stadium.
In control, Diego Simeone’s men then quietly repelled the offensive attempts of the Borussia players, before taking advantage of a new opposing error. On a long return to the Colchoneros touchline, Nico Schlotterbeck and Mats Hummels both left the ball to their teammate, who therefore returned to the feet of Alvaro Morata. Lucid, the Spaniard alerted Antoine Griezmann, who subtly shifted Samuel Lino. With unfailing composure, the Brazilian easily deceived Gregor Kobel.
Sébastien Haller saves the furniture
The second half was a long, quiet river for the Madrilenians for a long time. Vigilant, Jan Oblak lay down on a few timid German attempts, but never seemed to overtake. No more than the defense of the Colchoneros. Offensively, Diego Simeone’s men, aware that this advantage would be precious in view of the return match next Tuesday, were more cautious. Aside from a dangerous cross from Llorente and an almost unmissable attempt from Lino on a free kick from Griezmann, Atlético fans didn’t have much to sink their teeth into.
But Borussia Dortmund has resources, and a world-class striker on the bench. Entering the field at the hour mark, Sébastien Haller gave his team hope by perfectly recovering a deflected cross from Julian Brandt. The attacking midfielder could even have equalized, but his header hit the crossbar in the very last minute of play. Qualification is therefore still possible for the Germans, especially in front of their Yellow Wall at Signal Iduna Park.
Thanks to this victory, the Madrilenians nevertheless take a first step towards qualifying for the semi-finals, a stage they have not reached since the 2016-2017 season, with a defeat against neighbors Real Madrid. In the last four, they could face the winner of the double confrontation between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. The Blaugranas won in the capital this Wednesday in the first leg (2-3). But the return match could offer a crazy scenario.
