RB Leipzig continues to advance in the Champions League

DBasia.news – RB Leipzig’s steps in the Champions League this season have not stopped. Die Roten Bullen successfully advanced to the semifinals after beating Atletico Madrid with a score of 2-1 at Estadio Jose Alvalade, Friday (14/08) AM

Julian Nagelsmann played Yussuf Poulsen as the spearhead in 3-4-2-1 tactics. Poulsen filled the position usually occupied by Timo Werner who had already left for Chelsea. Behind Poulsen were Dani Olmo and Christopher Nkunku.

Meanwhile, Diego Simeone’s Atletico remained in the 4-4-1-1 tactics. Diego Costa was the spearhead who is supported by Marcos Llorente. Joao Felix and Alvaro Morata, the two forwards were on the bench.

RB Leipzig had taken possession of the ball from the start of the match. This is not strange considering Atletico’s strong defensive play and relying on counter attacks. Even that style of play yielded opportunities in the 13th minute.

Yannick Carrasco got past Lukas Klostermann and forced Leipzig goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi to make a save. Carrasco’s kick was not fast, but Gulacsi didn’t want to take the risk.

30 minutes of the match went on and Leipzig were frustrated by the steadfast defense of Atletico promoted by Stefan Savic and Jose Maria Gimenez. Leipzig’s game that relied on crosses and short passes was countered by Atletico.

Until an additional four minutes in the first half, no goals were scored at Estadio Jose Alvalade. The midfield battle between the two teams was fierce in this first half.

Atletico’s staunch defense finally broke at the start of the second half. Starting from Leipzig’s quick attack on the left side of Atletico’s defense, Marcel Sabitzer fired a measured cross headed by Dani Olmo. Jan Oblak was unable to brush it off. 1-0 for Leipzig’s lead.

Atletico couldn’t help but come out to attack to catch up. Simeone played Joao Felix in the 58th minute to replace Hector Herrera. Now Atletico has played two pure attackers and Llorente retreated to midfield.

Felix’s entry completely changed the course of the match. His cooperation with Costa resulted in a penalty when Felix was dropped by Klostermann in the penalty box. Felix (20 years old) took the penalty and executed it well. 1-1 in the 71st minute.

The tempo of the match returned to normal and both teams had tight possession of the ball. One goal in the remaining minutes of the second half will be crucial for both teams. Nagelsmann has brought on Tyler Adams, Patrik Schick and Amadou Haidara, while Simeone has played Alvaro Morata to replace Diego Costa.

The drama took place right on the 88th minutes. Leipzig’s quick attack after taking the ball from Atletico’s control led to a goal. Adams scored from a speculative strike which Savic deflected and led Oblak to misguide. 2-1 for Leipzig who are back in front.

Leipzig endured an all-out streak with five minutes remaining in the second half. There were no more goals created. Leipzig won 2-1 over Atletico and will challenge PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) in the semifinals of the 2019-20 Champions League.

Player compositions:

RB Leipzig (3-4-2-1): Peter Gulacsi; Lukas Klostermann, Dayot Upamecano, Marcel Halstenberg; Konrad Laimer (Tyler Adams 72 ‘), Marcel Sabitzer (Nordi Mukiele 90 + 2’), Kevin Kampl, Angelino; Dani Olmo (Patrik Schick 83 ‘), Christopher Nkunku (Amadou Haidara 83’); Yussuf Poulsen.

Substitute players: Tyler Adams, Hugo Novoa, Nordi Mukiele, Yvon Mvogo, Dennis Borkowski, Philipp Tschauner, Joscha Wosz, Emil Forsberg, Patrik Schick, Ademola Lookman, Amadou Haidara, Willi Orban.

Coach: Julian Nagelsmann

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Jan Oblak; Kieran Trippier, Stefan Savic, Jose Gimenez, Renan Lodi; Koke (Felipe 90 + 2 ‘), Hector Herrera (Joao Felix 58’), Saul Niguez, Yannick Carrasco; Marco Llorente, Diego Costa (Alvaro Morata 72 ‘).

Substitute players: Thomas Lemar, Joao Felix, Ivan Saponjic, Felipe, Alvaro Morata, Vitolo, Mario Hermoso, Toni Moya, Antonio Adan, Thomas Partey, Manuel Sanchez, Santiago Arias.

Coach: Diego Simeone