Atlético Madrid produced a stunning comeback to defeat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in the Champions League, despite playing with 10 men for over an hour. Julian Alvarez was the hero for Atlético, scoring twice, including a dramatic 90th-minute winner, to secure a vital victory.
The match got off to a dramatic start when Atlético midfielder Pablo Barrios was shown a straight red card after just 25 minutes for a reckless challenge on Nordi Mukiele. Leverkusen capitalized on their numerical advantage, taking the lead just before half-time through Piero Hincapie’s header.
However, Atlético Madrid responded brilliantly in the second half. Alvarez levelled the score with a composed finish in the 53rd minute, before completing the turnaround in the dying moments with a clever goal that sparked wild celebrations at the Estadio Metropolitano.
The match was a fiery affair, with both teams showing their frustration as the game wore on. Atlético were particularly aggrieved when Florian Wirtz escaped a second yellow card for a foul on Alvarez, with manager Diego Simeone leading the protests.
However, Leverkusen’s indiscipline ultimately cost them, with Hincapie receiving a second yellow card to reduce them to 10 men. Atlético seized the opportunity, with Alvarez scoring the winner to secure a remarkable victory.
The win moves Atlético up to third place in their Champions League group, while Leverkusen drop to sixth. Both teams are aiming to finish in the top eight to secure automatic qualification for the last 16 and avoid the play-offs.
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