Atlético Madrid secured a narrow advantage in their quarter-final tie against Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League after winning 2-1 in the first leg at the Estadio Metropolitano. They dominated the first half and scored two goals, but they had to hold off a late fightback from Borussia Dortmund to secure the victory. Read more sports updates here.
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Diego Simeone's team showed great aggression in their pressing tactics on their home turf and managed to take the lead after just four minutes when Rodrigo De Paul capitalized on a poor pass from Ian Maatsen. Atletico continued to dominate in the first half, with their players being faster and sharper all over the pitch. They extended their lead to 2-0 when Samuel Lino calmly finished a superb assist from Antoine Griezmann.
Julian Brandt's introduction in the second half gave Dortmund a significant boost in attack. However, Lino's shot forced another brilliant save from Kobel in the 75th minute. Later, Sébastien Haller scored a goal in the 81st minute to reduce the Germans' deficit, thereby improving their chances for the return leg on Tuesday.
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The game almost ended in a 2-2 draw, but Brandt's header hit the crossbar in the last minute.
"We won, which is the important thing." "The end of the game doesn't matter. It's a shame about the goal we conceded and that feeling of being behind defending. "There were moments when we could have scored a third but the truth is that we have suffered a lot in the second half."
"But it's a very important to win. Now we need to go there and hopefully we can win. We know we have the level to reach the semis, we have demonstrated that on the pitch."
Atletico's next game will see them play against Girona in La Liga at 1 p.m., while Dortmund are set to play against Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday. Both games will take place before the return leg at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, April 16th, at 8 p.m.
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