Atletico, Barcelona take 1st legs

• Published date: 12 April 2024
• Publication title: Sports Tab

The Spaniards were in complete control in the first half but had to soak up late pressure from the Germans, who cut the deficit with Sebastien Haller in the 81st minute and then twice hit the woodwork

Atletico, looking for their first semifinal spot in seven years, put the visitors on the back foot with a frenetic high-pressing game — and it paid off after four minutes, with Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel delaying a pass to Ian Maatsen and Rodrigo De Paul intercepting it to slot in.

The Spanish side scored again courtesy of another defensive blunder as Samuel Lino, who will miss the return leg next week after being booked, doubled their lead in the 32nd from an Antoine Griezmann assist.

The introduction of Julian Brandt after the break instantly gave Dortmund more punch up front, but Lino forced a superb Kobel save in the 75th front before Sebastien Haller cut the deficit in the 81st minute to improve the Germans’ odds going into Wednesday’s return leg.

The Germans missed two chances to equalise late in the game, with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens’ deflected shot in the 87th bouncing off the crossbar and Brandt’s last-gasp header also hitting the woodwork in stoppage time.

In Paris, Brazil forward Raphinha scored twice to help Barcelona secure a 3-2 win at Paris St Germain in their lively first leg.

Xavi Hernandez’s...